Daily practise the key for pianist
Professional pianist Kinga Krupa never gets a break from her beloved music, even during the holidays.
As a result, the Queenstown-based musician was happy to give an impromptu practise performance at Aigantighe Art Gallery in Timaru yesterday morning during a trip around the South Island.
To maintain her dexterity and skill level, Krupa usually practices six to eight hours a day, reducing that to two or three hours a day when on a break.
‘‘I don’t get bored. It’s fascinating: I always discover something new.’’
The classically trained performer and piano teacher, born in Poland, comes from a musical family and has been playing since she was six.
She and her partner came to New Zealand in 2017 for the outdoor lifestyle and now have residency and she is grateful she is able to still perform live.
‘‘Art is really important in tough times. In lockdown my [piano] students learnt online and it kept them going. It is a way for the community to connect.’’
Back in Poland, where there have been more than 29,000 Covid-19 deaths, Krupa said her family was OK at this stage. Lockdown is ‘‘on and off’’ in Poland, so her family managed to get together for Christmas.
Her holiday schedule is based around where she can practice. While in Christchurch she practised on a friend’s piano and had a day off when visiting Akaroa. She was pleased the Timaru gallery allowed her the use of the Yamaha grand piano when she popped in to say hello on her way back home.
Krupa has previously performed at the gallery in November 2019 and said every time she was in Timaru she visited because she had been made so welcome.
Gallery visitors Patricia Kant and her mother Tina Singh, of Christchurch, were entertained by Krupa as they enjoyed the post-modern expressionist artwork by Judy Millar, and pottery by Timaru’s Pat Currie.
Gallery manager Cara Fitzgerald said it was a privilege to have Krupa play for staff and visitors during her practise session.