Neither taut nor diva-honed, Arabella Steinbacher is noted for her commitment to breaking down the barriers and performing classical music in its raw form. The road to exposure for young violinist has been straightforward. If one looks at the career of this young violinist, one would realise that her virtuoso skills are pristine, the most enterprising being the outstanding debut performance with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France under Sir Neville Marriner in Paris in 2004.
Born into a family of musicians in Germany, Arabella started playing violin when she was merely three years old and later studied with Ana Chumachenco at the Munich Academy of Music.
She recently performed at Mendelssohn Violin Concerto organised by Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra in Katara and Community sat down with her to talk about her talent and accomplishments.
Tell us about yourself.
My father was a German and mother Japanese. Both were musicians. My father used to play piano and my mother used to sing. Well, they always wanted me to pursue music and that is one of the reasons why I started playing violin when I was only three-year-old. I remember they gifted me a small violin when I was a kid and how much I loved it. I am here in Doha to perform for Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.
Why did you choose classical music as your genre of interest?
Since my childhood, classical music has been my favourite. I’ve attended a lot of operas even. I’m lucky to have had such wonderful teachers, who were great composers coming from Germany or neighbouring countries like Austria.
I started to playing music at a very young age as a soloist and started touring the world as a musician when I turned 18.
What is classical Western music to you?
Music transfers me into another world. It is an inspiration. It just touches my heart. Music is something you just feel and it gives you motivation and a lot of strength.
My music has accompanied me through all the different stages of my life. I was very close to my father. We were connected through music. Music gave me all that positive vibes and feelings when I was depressed after my father’s demise 10 years ago. Today, when I play music, I feel very close to my father.
What would be your piece of advice to young musicians pursuing classical music?
My advice for them is to always enjoy it. Never think that it is a hard work. Of course, you practise to learn a piece. But still, it has to make you happy. For young children, I think it is very important that their teachers tell them that classical music is something very joyful.
What can we expect from you next?
I have regularly been recording my CDs. My new CD album just came out. I think it is my 20th CD. I will be playing at many concerts in next two years which has already been scheduled. I am looking forward to my Asian tour next year. I sometimes also give lessons to young children and conduct masterclasses in Spain and Germany.
Share your experience of playing in Doha.
I was very excited to receive an invitation from Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. Honestly, I have heard some fantastic things about this orchestra and I am truly impressed by what is happening here.
Coming from Europe, it is really unbelievable to see how it is possible to build a new city in such a way, with the best of the best things. Wherever I look, I am just amazed and surprised. It is wonderful how they support art, music, and education.
As an artiste, how do you think that art and cultural activities help a country?
I think generally when people get a chance to get very good education in arts and music, it opens one to a whole new big perspective of the world. You see things with different eyes.
Cultural activities open up a society and help a country in a long run. It is amazing that they are giving the opportunity to the people here in Doha.
I want people to come to the classical concerts. They should not be afraid that they do not understand. The music goes straight to your heart. Just be open and feel the experience.
ON SONG: Arabella Steinbacher rose to fame with her outstanding debut performance with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France under Sir Neville Marriner in Paris in 2004. Photo by Shemeer Rasheed
