Katya Grineva – From the heart
RUSSIAN PIANIST KATYA GRINEVA will perform a Nicolai Fechin inspired performance in the Fechin House Piano Room, Friday, Nov. 5, and Saturday Nov. 6 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Grineva has performed for audiences all over the world, including an annual holiday concert at Carnegie Hall for the past twenty years.
She is one of those rare artists who plays by her own rules, scheduling herself for performances wherever and whenever the muse calls her. Taos called Katya last summer during a quick visit to the Taos Art Museum where she tickled the ivories on the Fechin piano, photographed one of his apple trees, and felt the charisma of Northern New Mexico.
Museum director Christy Coleman said the piano Katya will play was purchased by Fechin for the house because “he loved classical music and attended performances often when he lived in Russia. K.K. Chebotarev, a student of Fechin’s in Russia said ‘for Fechin, attending such concerts was not a diversion. For him it had the seriousness of work, a continuation of his work on the quality of a painting.’
S.K. Shakulova, a math teacher at the Kazan Art School, said that Fechin ‘had an exceptional musical ear.’ Shakulova taught Fechin to play piano. After teaching him just two scales (C Major and A Minor), Fechin was able to play all the major and minor scales. When asked how he was able to do that, Fechin simply replied, ‘By analogy with colors.’”
Born in Moscow, Grineva began her piano studies at the Moscow Music School at the age of 6 and later the Moscow High School of Music and Moscow Conservatory where she studied with Professor Pavel Messner. “It was during her studies with Maestro Messner that Katya began performing recitals and experiencing the ‘special and spontaneous’ interaction between artist and audience that would become the hallmark of her performances. In New York, she was awarded a scholarship to the Mannes School of Music graduate program, studying with Nina Svetlanova, followed by private coaching with Vladja Mashke, who played a significant role in the pianist’s development.”
Grineva has performed with the Acadiana Symphony, the ARS Nova Musicians Chamber Orchestra, the Manhattan Virtuosi Orchestra, and the European Philharmonic Orchestra in France. Her recitals have mesmerized audiences at the Laurier Society and the Salle Gaveau in Paris, and Carnegie Hall in New York City. In 1998, Steinway and Sons awarded Grineva the honorable title of Steinway Artist.
Tempo spoke with Katya by phone at one of her homes in Woodstock, New York. Here are the highlights.
You played the Fechin piano during your last visit. What are your impressions of the piano and the acoustics of the performance space?
I felt a special intimate energy, the piano and acoustics were very nice. The warmth of the wood and light are beautiful. It is a special place and although I was only there for a brief time, the impression lingers. Taos has a special energy as well, I felt it immediately. A friend in Santa Cruz confirmed for me that Taos is in “another dimension.” As an artist I am sensitive to these energies. It felt very special and cozy.
What are your plans for the concert?
I’m planning to give two concerts with slightly different programs. I will play Chopin, Schubert, Liszt, Debussy, Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Rachmaninoff. There will be a couple of surprises as well.
Who, and where inspires you?
I’m inspired by great musicians like Horowitz and also by great art. I also draw a lot of inspiration from nature and visiting beautiful places, that’s why I’m so excited to spend time in Taos.
How/when did you learn about Nicolai Fechin, and your earliest memory of the artist?
I learned about him on my trip to Taos in August. I feel honored to give a concert in the space he created. In his honor I will play a beautiful piece by Tchaikovsky titled Barcarolle, and a theme from Rachmaninoff the 2nd Piano Concerto.
What do you look forward to most in your upcoming concert?
I am so much looking forward to playing for a live audience. Because of the pandemic I was only able to play concerts through zoom. It is a very special energy and intimacy that arises when you play for a live audience. There is a special moment between long pieces and after a performance when I bow, to acknowledge the sacred relationship with the audience. This can not be replicated virtually and I miss it. I can’t wait to be in Taos next week and meet wonderful people and share what I love the most: playing beautiful music on the piano.
For details about the performance and to purchase tickets visit the Taos Art Museum at Fechin House website taosartmuseum.org/eventtickets.html .