ARTICLES & INTERVIEWS
These Symphony-commissioned feature articles offer insights into the music you’ll hear in the concert hall.
Mar 1, 2024
SF Symphony Spotlight: Alexandra Conunova
Tell us a little about what you’re playing on this recital.
For me it is a dream come true to come to San Francisco to play in the Spotlight Series—it’s an honor and a pleasure to meet a new audience. I wanted to recreate a way of traveling back in time with an extremely virtuoso program in the style and the great tradition of the biggest violinists in the world, such as Jascha Heifetz or Isaac Stern. The programs back then were extremely bold and fearless, and I would like the audience to leave the hall with joy, and with a boost of energy and fire. It should feel like a firework and a deep connection at the same time!
What’s your process for preparing for a concert and how do you know when a piece is ready?
Well, I don’t think a piece is ever ready because each performance brings it to another level. It also very much depends on the inner state of mind of the soloist. But there is no secret to being successful. It is a lot of work. Commitment and consistency. But overall, it is love for what you do and passion for what you do. That’s the only thing that brings the sincerity out. This is what I transmit to my audience.
What inspired you to pursue a career in classical music? Were there any particular artists or compositions that had a significant impact on your decision?
Well, I was born into a family with professors and artists, including a film director and directors of opera houses and concert halls in the Republic of Moldova. For instance, my great-grandfather was the director of the opera house, and I grew up in the backstage of the opera and ballet. It was an extremely magical atmosphere. I personally knew all the soloists, dancers, singers, and conductors. And I was only three or four. Seeing the preparation, putting the outfits and makeup on, warming up, changing character when going on stage; It was like a fairytale, and I think this inspiration is what nourishes me every day, and what made me become an artist in the first place.
What are some of your interests outside of music and how do they influence your creativity and artistic expression?
My interest outside music is being curious about life. I love reading biographies, watching documentaries about the history of paintings, opera, history of cities, of civilizations. I love cooking and I am a sport addict. I am a mother to a wonderful boy of 12. I have a charitable foundation in Moldova for talented kids and I am passionate about life generally. I am also a car lover, and driving is what relaxes me the most. I love speed and the feeling of freedom. But what I love most is being on stage. That’s my element.
For me it is a dream come true to come to San Francisco to play in the Spotlight Series—it’s an honor and a pleasure to meet a new audience. I wanted to recreate a way of traveling back in time with an extremely virtuoso program in the style and the great tradition of the biggest violinists in the world, such as Jascha Heifetz or Isaac Stern. The programs back then were extremely bold and fearless, and I would like the audience to leave the hall with joy, and with a boost of energy and fire. It should feel like a firework and a deep connection at the same time!
What’s your process for preparing for a concert and how do you know when a piece is ready?
Well, I don’t think a piece is ever ready because each performance brings it to another level. It also very much depends on the inner state of mind of the soloist. But there is no secret to being successful. It is a lot of work. Commitment and consistency. But overall, it is love for what you do and passion for what you do. That’s the only thing that brings the sincerity out. This is what I transmit to my audience.
What inspired you to pursue a career in classical music? Were there any particular artists or compositions that had a significant impact on your decision?
Well, I was born into a family with professors and artists, including a film director and directors of opera houses and concert halls in the Republic of Moldova. For instance, my great-grandfather was the director of the opera house, and I grew up in the backstage of the opera and ballet. It was an extremely magical atmosphere. I personally knew all the soloists, dancers, singers, and conductors. And I was only three or four. Seeing the preparation, putting the outfits and makeup on, warming up, changing character when going on stage; It was like a fairytale, and I think this inspiration is what nourishes me every day, and what made me become an artist in the first place.
What are some of your interests outside of music and how do they influence your creativity and artistic expression?
My interest outside music is being curious about life. I love reading biographies, watching documentaries about the history of paintings, opera, history of cities, of civilizations. I love cooking and I am a sport addict. I am a mother to a wonderful boy of 12. I have a charitable foundation in Moldova for talented kids and I am passionate about life generally. I am also a car lover, and driving is what relaxes me the most. I love speed and the feeling of freedom. But what I love most is being on stage. That’s my element.
