Valeria Safonova

I think I could. I’m a mother, and my child is as important to me as my work. With time, I’ve come to the conclusion that the essence of life isn’t limited to success or occupation — although music certainly makes me happy. Music gives me the sensation of immortality. I fear death most of all — death, old age, disease. But when I’m totally immersed in your work, in music… I can’t even call it “happiness”. It’s pain, it’s joy, it’s tears. But that’s when I feel death doesn’t exist. Happiness is when two notes make a connection to your heart. Nobody can take this feeling away from you, and you don’t even need the stage or the audience to experience it.

It’s hard to say for certain. A whole range of skills is required. First and foremost, it’s natural ability, of course. That alone is not enough though. Certain character traits — the ability to work hard, endure difficulties and present oneself — are just as crucial. I lack those traits: I can’t get over myself and be an active contender for certain roles or insist on auditions. I suspect such qualities can be even more important than talent for a successful career — at least for a soloist.

There’s a vast amount of music that I love. I can’t name just three, five or even ten pieces.

What I can say is that some pieces of music feel otherworldly and ingenious. They don’t require any work: you don’t have to suffer and struggle with them. All you have to do is set them free. Two names are sacred to me: Bach and Mozart. Two composers whose every note is ingenious

MusicAeterna is Teodor Currentzis: he had his musicAeterna before us, and he’ll probably have one after us, too. Teodor is a true musician for whom compromise is never an option. Working with him is never easy but always rewarding. Of course, you can only live a life of absolute creation when you’re young, free, strong and passionate. That’s what makes musicAeterna beautiful.