Many will remember the recorder as that annoying instrument. What attracted you to this instrument?
Fortunately, I myself have never had any prejudice towards my own instrument, because it was not a compulsory school instrument for me. I chose the recorder because I had heard two classmates play it at a performance, and even during the first lessons I became fascinated with the instrument. It also appealed to me at first that the recorder is a totally different instrument from what my parents, both of whom are cellists by trade, play. From the beginning, I was inspired by the versatility of the recorder, the many different types and sizes which you have to learn to play, and also the combination of old and contemporary music which the instrument brings.
How does it feel to be a Rising Star?
It is fantastic that you can play in so many wonderful concert halls this season thanks to the ECHO tour. I see it as a chance to showcase myself as a musician with versatile and surprising programmes.
Can you explain your programme on which journey you want to take us?
The combination of early music and contemporary music is essential for the recorder, so it is also present in this programme. I tried to include as many different timbres as possible in the programme. Thomas and I will perform some of our "signature" pieces, including our own arrangements of Bach's Lute Suite, Couperin's Nightingale in Love, and Marin Marais' The Follies of Spain. But our instruments will also be heard separately in solo pieces, such as the special work "Arteria" by the Finnish composer, Lotta Wennäkoski, which she wrote especially for me.
You are working with Thomas Dunford, another star in the early music world. How does it feel to play with him?
Meanwhile Thomas and I have been playing regular concerts together for about 5 years now, but our collaboration still remains very inspiring to me. Thomas is a very spontaneous musician, during our recitals together unexpected musical moments always occur. Moreover, the instrument combination of lute and recorder works very well, because both instruments sound very direct and can respond quickly, but at the same time have a lot of tonal variety in them.
What is your biggest dream, musically or otherwise?
My biggest dream is to be an all-round musician and to keep challenging myself musically. This year, I am starting a master's degree in fortepiano, combined with a master's degree in voice, and all these different facets I find to be very important parts of my musical personality. My dream is to continue to share music with a wide audience and to be active not only as a performing musician, but also to develop projects, lead my own festival or ensemble, and in some way have an impact on future generations of musicians
