-Interview with Macedonian pianist Darko Kostovski
-Интервју со македонскиот пијанист Дарко Костовски
(04.08.2015)
"Music is an inseparable part of myself and my life.."
"Музиката е неодвоен дел од мене и мојот живот.."
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ENGLISH - МАКЕДОНСКИ
ENGLISH - МАКЕДОНСКИ
Once again we have the opportunity to present to you yet another interview here at Musical Journeys. This time we have with us one of the most gifted and noble pianists coming from Macedonia whose performances have inspired both the audiences and the musicians in Macedonia as well as all around the world. Born in Skopje in 1978, Darko Kostovski has made a strong impression with his solo and chamber performances throughout his career.
We can trace the beginnings of his formal studies at the State Musical and Ballet Educational Center "Ilija Nikolovski-Luj" where he studied with prof. Aida Islam, prof. Marija Pisinova and prof. Boris Romanov. Even at this early stage, audiences in his home country had the opportunity to witness his exceptional talent listening to him perform immensely challenging works at an early age - the Tchaikovsky b-minor concerto aged 17.. solo recitals.. Having recognized his talent, prof. Arbo Valdma began working with Darko and he invited him to Musikhochschule Koln in Cologne, Germany to continue his professional studies there under his mentorship.
Many successes would follow as a result of his talent and hard work - prizes in Czech Republic - Usty nad Labem (1993), Taranto, Italy (1995), Yamaha Prize in Weimar, Germany (1996).. Concerts in France, Austria, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Finland, Egypt..
Among the notable performances we can mention his concerts with the Cologne Philharmonic Orchestra, Talinn Philharmonic Orchestra, Macedonian Philharmonic Orchestra, Jeunesse Musicales Orchestra, Belgrade Philharmonic, Zagreb Soloists as well as concerts at the Versailles Palace in Paris, Franz Schubert's birth house in Vienna, Bundestag in Bonn, Opera House in Cairo and the EXPO 2000 in Hannover.
An avid chamber music enthusiast, Darko has also formed the piano-violin duo DALI with violinist Lisa Schumann and their performances around Europe have caused a sensation.
So, we can definitely find many reasons to talk with Darko on his experiences in music and I hope you will enjoy reading the interview as much as I have enjoyed working on it.
Dino: Darko, thank you for your time. I would like to begin this conversation by asking you the question of the questions - What is Music?
Darko: Thank you, Dino. For me, Music represents a new world where we, the artists, discover new ideas, views and unlimited amount of colors that enrich our fantasy and at the same time it expresses the thought of the spiritual expression. Music is an inseparable part of life, nobody could live without it. It is an indescribable feeling when music touches your heart.
Dino: What are your first memories, your first contact with music and the piano?
Darko: Ever since I was very young, I remember running to the old heater in our house and acting as if I was playing the piano on it every time I would hear music, but at that time my parents still haven't bought a piano. The will to play music was tremendous and I still remember, as if it was yesterday, the moment when my first piano arrived in our house back home in Skopje, where I was born. I had the good fortune to begin learning the piano with the guide of my unforgettable professor Aida Islam who opened the doors to me, to the unimaginable wealth of music that never ends. But, above all I believe that the love towards music was the key element and moment that made me realize that music was an inseparable part of myself and my life.
Dino: Your curriculum vitae is very interesting. You've began your education in Macedonia, but you've moved to a different environment abroad. Why have you decided to take such a step? How difficult was the transition from one environment to the other?
Darko: Indeed my first steps were at "Ilija Nikolovski-Luj" where I've worked with prof. Islam, prof. Pisinova and prof. Romanov. I have to admit that in those years around 1997-98, there was a huge unrest in ex-Yugoslavia and the entire Balkan region was in one transition. As a young person, I had an immense ambition to leave to a different environment in order to enrich my knowledge, to learn new ideas that would help me later in my life, in my further development. Of course, I cannot go further without mentioning my dear mentor and professor Arbo Valdma for whom I have an immense gratitude for his support which included my continuation of the studies at the Music Academy in Cologne.
We can trace the beginnings of his formal studies at the State Musical and Ballet Educational Center "Ilija Nikolovski-Luj" where he studied with prof. Aida Islam, prof. Marija Pisinova and prof. Boris Romanov. Even at this early stage, audiences in his home country had the opportunity to witness his exceptional talent listening to him perform immensely challenging works at an early age - the Tchaikovsky b-minor concerto aged 17.. solo recitals.. Having recognized his talent, prof. Arbo Valdma began working with Darko and he invited him to Musikhochschule Koln in Cologne, Germany to continue his professional studies there under his mentorship.
Many successes would follow as a result of his talent and hard work - prizes in Czech Republic - Usty nad Labem (1993), Taranto, Italy (1995), Yamaha Prize in Weimar, Germany (1996).. Concerts in France, Austria, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Finland, Egypt..
Among the notable performances we can mention his concerts with the Cologne Philharmonic Orchestra, Talinn Philharmonic Orchestra, Macedonian Philharmonic Orchestra, Jeunesse Musicales Orchestra, Belgrade Philharmonic, Zagreb Soloists as well as concerts at the Versailles Palace in Paris, Franz Schubert's birth house in Vienna, Bundestag in Bonn, Opera House in Cairo and the EXPO 2000 in Hannover.
An avid chamber music enthusiast, Darko has also formed the piano-violin duo DALI with violinist Lisa Schumann and their performances around Europe have caused a sensation.
So, we can definitely find many reasons to talk with Darko on his experiences in music and I hope you will enjoy reading the interview as much as I have enjoyed working on it.
Dino: Darko, thank you for your time. I would like to begin this conversation by asking you the question of the questions - What is Music?
Darko: Thank you, Dino. For me, Music represents a new world where we, the artists, discover new ideas, views and unlimited amount of colors that enrich our fantasy and at the same time it expresses the thought of the spiritual expression. Music is an inseparable part of life, nobody could live without it. It is an indescribable feeling when music touches your heart.
Dino: What are your first memories, your first contact with music and the piano?
Darko: Ever since I was very young, I remember running to the old heater in our house and acting as if I was playing the piano on it every time I would hear music, but at that time my parents still haven't bought a piano. The will to play music was tremendous and I still remember, as if it was yesterday, the moment when my first piano arrived in our house back home in Skopje, where I was born. I had the good fortune to begin learning the piano with the guide of my unforgettable professor Aida Islam who opened the doors to me, to the unimaginable wealth of music that never ends. But, above all I believe that the love towards music was the key element and moment that made me realize that music was an inseparable part of myself and my life.
Dino: Your curriculum vitae is very interesting. You've began your education in Macedonia, but you've moved to a different environment abroad. Why have you decided to take such a step? How difficult was the transition from one environment to the other?
Darko: Indeed my first steps were at "Ilija Nikolovski-Luj" where I've worked with prof. Islam, prof. Pisinova and prof. Romanov. I have to admit that in those years around 1997-98, there was a huge unrest in ex-Yugoslavia and the entire Balkan region was in one transition. As a young person, I had an immense ambition to leave to a different environment in order to enrich my knowledge, to learn new ideas that would help me later in my life, in my further development. Of course, I cannot go further without mentioning my dear mentor and professor Arbo Valdma for whom I have an immense gratitude for his support which included my continuation of the studies at the Music Academy in Cologne.
Dino: How many possibilities do you have to perform in Germany and Europe?
Darko: The profession pianist, pedagogue and musician in general is highly respected and valued in Germany and classical music is being treated at the highest level. Germany, the country of Bach, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann or Stockhausen, has an immense tradition in the sphere of classical music and it offers a lot of possibilities for performances and concerts all over the country and abroad. Germany is one of the rare countries in the world where artists have the privilege to perform their profession in the best possible way because there are orchestras in almost every major city, cultural centers, concert and opera halls and world renowned festivals. In recent years, I've performed many chamber music concerts besides my solo performances for example the Beethoven Festival (Bonn), Euregio Festival, Klang Bogen Festival (Vienna), Montepulciano Festival.. I've collaborated with incredible musicians such as Pavel Gililov, Paolo Giacometti, Gerhard Schulz (Alban Berg Quartet), Matthias Lingenfelder (Auryn Quartet), Vineta Sareika (Artemis Quartet).
Dino: That's incredible. How about opportunities to perform in your country of birth - Macedonia?
Darko: Well.. in my country of birth the Artist has to open the doors for himself, he has to ensure he'll get a concert at some of the festivals or he even has to apply by himself at concourses to organize his own performances. I'm afraid that for the last couple of years, I'm unable to organize my concerts there because of the simple reason - I don't live in Macedonia. I believe that there should be more invitations to perform for the Macedonian artists that live outside of the borders of Macedonia. Invitations for them, to perform in their country of birth. The very fact that you live in some European country, adds to the excitement to perform home where a lot of friends, colleagues and people you know come to some of your concerts. The feeling is unforgettable!!
Dino: What are the advantages students have today compared to the time when you were a student? At the same time, what were the advantages that you had at the time of your studies that students of today don't have?
Darko: I think in order to answer this question, I would have to point towards the environment where young people are educated. The advantage I guess could be the fact that young students in Germany have the privilege to play and practice on perfectly tuned concert pianos and the opportunity to learn from world famous pedagogues. The possibility to listen to top performers in the world of classical music in perfect halls with unbelievable acoustics at the Philharmonics, in that way they can conquer the wider audience and have a bigger career in a much easier way.
Dino: Darko, competitions. Everyone speaks about them, they are more or less the center of attention in the world of classical music. Do you justify their existence? Are they a valid way that would lead to finding new incredible talents?
Darko: Competitions are not always the most important factor that lead to a big career in music, but they still are a place where you can make more contacts and a platform where young talents could be discovered and heard. I believe that every musician can find his place bellow the sky, with or without prizes at the famous competitions.
Dino: You've been collaborating for a longer time now with violinist Lisa Schumann. How did it come to the formation of duo Dali? What are your successes and what are your future plans?
Darko: In recent years I have the pleasure to collaborate with Lisa with whom we've decided to form a duo back in 2010 when we got the musical scholarship from the Cologne Academy. Until today, we have managed to succeed in the area of chamber music, having received invitations to perform at many renowned concert podiums for young artists that come with the support of the Foundation Karl Dorken Stifftung, also the International Chamber Seminar in Montepulciano, Italy, the International Camp for new talents in Weikersheim, Germany and others. For me, it was a new discovery and a great experience to get to know new compositions and new challenges where both artists are treated in an equal way. Our mutual energy and musical predispositions where the key elements that enable Liza and I to excel over the new challenges and present the works we play in the most professional way. As for the future plans, our concert agenda begins at the end of August with performances in Kerpen Erfthalle, a festival in Bremen in October, Salltarelo where we'll have the honor to perform in Sendesaal Philharmonic, Bechstein Haus in Cologne etc..
Darko: The profession pianist, pedagogue and musician in general is highly respected and valued in Germany and classical music is being treated at the highest level. Germany, the country of Bach, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann or Stockhausen, has an immense tradition in the sphere of classical music and it offers a lot of possibilities for performances and concerts all over the country and abroad. Germany is one of the rare countries in the world where artists have the privilege to perform their profession in the best possible way because there are orchestras in almost every major city, cultural centers, concert and opera halls and world renowned festivals. In recent years, I've performed many chamber music concerts besides my solo performances for example the Beethoven Festival (Bonn), Euregio Festival, Klang Bogen Festival (Vienna), Montepulciano Festival.. I've collaborated with incredible musicians such as Pavel Gililov, Paolo Giacometti, Gerhard Schulz (Alban Berg Quartet), Matthias Lingenfelder (Auryn Quartet), Vineta Sareika (Artemis Quartet).
Dino: That's incredible. How about opportunities to perform in your country of birth - Macedonia?
Darko: Well.. in my country of birth the Artist has to open the doors for himself, he has to ensure he'll get a concert at some of the festivals or he even has to apply by himself at concourses to organize his own performances. I'm afraid that for the last couple of years, I'm unable to organize my concerts there because of the simple reason - I don't live in Macedonia. I believe that there should be more invitations to perform for the Macedonian artists that live outside of the borders of Macedonia. Invitations for them, to perform in their country of birth. The very fact that you live in some European country, adds to the excitement to perform home where a lot of friends, colleagues and people you know come to some of your concerts. The feeling is unforgettable!!
Dino: What are the advantages students have today compared to the time when you were a student? At the same time, what were the advantages that you had at the time of your studies that students of today don't have?
Darko: I think in order to answer this question, I would have to point towards the environment where young people are educated. The advantage I guess could be the fact that young students in Germany have the privilege to play and practice on perfectly tuned concert pianos and the opportunity to learn from world famous pedagogues. The possibility to listen to top performers in the world of classical music in perfect halls with unbelievable acoustics at the Philharmonics, in that way they can conquer the wider audience and have a bigger career in a much easier way.
Dino: Darko, competitions. Everyone speaks about them, they are more or less the center of attention in the world of classical music. Do you justify their existence? Are they a valid way that would lead to finding new incredible talents?
Darko: Competitions are not always the most important factor that lead to a big career in music, but they still are a place where you can make more contacts and a platform where young talents could be discovered and heard. I believe that every musician can find his place bellow the sky, with or without prizes at the famous competitions.
Dino: You've been collaborating for a longer time now with violinist Lisa Schumann. How did it come to the formation of duo Dali? What are your successes and what are your future plans?
Darko: In recent years I have the pleasure to collaborate with Lisa with whom we've decided to form a duo back in 2010 when we got the musical scholarship from the Cologne Academy. Until today, we have managed to succeed in the area of chamber music, having received invitations to perform at many renowned concert podiums for young artists that come with the support of the Foundation Karl Dorken Stifftung, also the International Chamber Seminar in Montepulciano, Italy, the International Camp for new talents in Weikersheim, Germany and others. For me, it was a new discovery and a great experience to get to know new compositions and new challenges where both artists are treated in an equal way. Our mutual energy and musical predispositions where the key elements that enable Liza and I to excel over the new challenges and present the works we play in the most professional way. As for the future plans, our concert agenda begins at the end of August with performances in Kerpen Erfthalle, a festival in Bremen in October, Salltarelo where we'll have the honor to perform in Sendesaal Philharmonic, Bechstein Haus in Cologne etc..
Dino: Good luck with all the wonderful events! Darko, advice for young pianists. How can they succeed in the world of classical music?
Darko: I think that with a great ambition, determination and the will for more knowledge you can succeed in the world of classical music. Besides the talent which is of course an important factor, we must not forget that hours and hours of practicing, the determination and work in combination with a good artistic mentor can determine to achieve the professional level we all want to achieve.
Dino: That said, what is the most valuable life lesson that you have learned from music?
Darko: I cannot imagine living without music. It's the most faithful companion that will remain with me until the end of my life. The magical and unmeasurable wealth that music offers is the most beautiful thing a human being can feel with one's heart. Music can make us the happiest, it enriches us with emotions and an indescribable joy. That's the most important lesson - respect and love, the only path all of us should follow. "Music speaks for itself, if it is given a chance" - Yehudi Menuhin
Dino: Darko, thank you again - I wish you all the best for your future endeavors!
Darko: Thank you.
Darko: I think that with a great ambition, determination and the will for more knowledge you can succeed in the world of classical music. Besides the talent which is of course an important factor, we must not forget that hours and hours of practicing, the determination and work in combination with a good artistic mentor can determine to achieve the professional level we all want to achieve.
Dino: That said, what is the most valuable life lesson that you have learned from music?
Darko: I cannot imagine living without music. It's the most faithful companion that will remain with me until the end of my life. The magical and unmeasurable wealth that music offers is the most beautiful thing a human being can feel with one's heart. Music can make us the happiest, it enriches us with emotions and an indescribable joy. That's the most important lesson - respect and love, the only path all of us should follow. "Music speaks for itself, if it is given a chance" - Yehudi Menuhin
Dino: Darko, thank you again - I wish you all the best for your future endeavors!
Darko: Thank you.
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(Disclaimer: The Musical Journeys team is not to be affiliated with the answers of the interviewees, it only presents a platform for discussion)
(Disclaimer: The Musical Journeys team is not to be affiliated with the answers of the interviewees, it only presents a platform for discussion)