What is the best thing that I love about my work?
I enjoy every time I’m on stage in any type of formation : solo, chamber music or orchestra. I’m always having a great time in discovering new repertoires, meeting new people and talking to different audiences ; it’s a job that enriches me every day and gives me deep personal fulfillment. I think we’re in the noblest of professions ; Transmitting emotions (that I also feel), making people travel, making them dream for a moment, five minutes, 10, 1 hour! I like to think of my job as essential to people’s mental health.
What is my idea of happiness?
I don’t have a real idea of what happiness is, I think it’s to be found everywhere, in so many everyday things. But I’m sure that is also the result of self-fulfilment, in love and in the professional sphere.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?
There are many musiciens whom I admire enormously, as much for their talent and virtuosity as for their humanity. I recently had the chance to meet and work with Gautier Capuçon and I must admit I was won over by his generosity. It’s rare nowadays to find great musicians who make the effort to play for everyone, and who seek to raise awareness and democratise classical music. It’s this kind of personality that I particularly admire because they correspond to the way I see classical music. I have to mention Rostropovich, who is a true example for me. He was a great cellist who, in addition to his incredible talent, shone for his humanity.
What is my greatest extravagance?
The time I take to listen to others trying to give good advice. I think I have a nice active listening.
On what occasion would I lie?
I don’t like lying and I don’t think that I’m very good at it. But I can sometimes lie to embellish a situation that isn’t ideal. For example, I’d rather say that I’m really happy to have received this ugly sweater as a Christmas present…That’s what I call the « Joyful lie » ! I don’t think that lying is neither entirely negative, nor entirely positive – we don’t all lie for the same reasons, or in the same way… Sometimes, we can avoid telling the whole truth with the best of intentions.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work ?
There’s very little I don’t enjoy about my job. Even if it’s not always easy, I’m proud of the sacrifices I’ve made to get where I am. I feel very fulfilled in what I do, but sometimes it’s true that I’d like to do something less demanding, to be able to go on holiday or away for the weekend more easily. I think that time will come, that’s for sure, but for the moment I’ve got everything to build on and there’s nothing without work!
The one thing I find sad in this business is the apriori view that people can have of classical music and the elitism that musicians cultivate. I think we need to change certain things in this world so that classical music is more accessible ; it can speak to everyone and so that everyone can have access to it regardless of class. We need to deconstruct the idea that classical music only belongs to educated, middle-class people. Everyone, even those with no particular education, can appreciate it and be sensitive to it.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
Recently, when I played in front of 4,000 people for the “Un été en France” touring festival with Gautier Capuçon. It was a real pleasure to see so many people at these concerts, and it was also a first for me to perform solo in front of all these people. It was an extremely enriching experience, as there were all types of audience present (informed, uninformed, children, teenagers, parents, grandparents…).
If I could, what would I change about myself?
I wouldn’t change anything, even if I could. But I would simply develop my confidence in general.
What is my greatest achievement in work?
When I played at the age of 14 the first concerto by Camille Saint- Saëns with orchestra. https://youtu.be/DAgNLDJLcPM. And also when I played at the touring festival “Un été en France”, sharing the stage with Gautier Capuçon. (You’ll be able to watch the entire tour on French TV channel ‘France 2’ in December.)
Where would I most like to live?
I like to think that when I’m old I’ll live in a big house in Provence, away from the big cities. I’ve also been thinking about a lovely house in Ireland, I really like the scenery and the weather there.
What is my most treasured possession?
My ambition.
What is my most marked characteristic?
My character ! I’m also bursting with ambition, always wanting to do more and better! I put a lot of energy into what I love and what I’m building. I’m stubborn about getting what I want. Sometimes that’s tiring, but I’m sure it’s a great quality.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
What could be more beautiful than a country like France ? A land full of history, with an impressive cultural heritage, nothing could be more inspiring than France. I’m so grateful for everything our ancestors have left us, especially in classical music, where we’ve had such eminent composers who’ve left us such beautiful masterpieces! I don’t really have one place in France that I cherish more than another, but one thing’s for sure : when the weather’s nice, I love a walk in the Parc des Tuileries.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?
I love eating at Pierre Orsi’s gourmet restaurant Cazenove. It’s a wonderful restaurant where you can eat French specialities, in this case from Lyon.
What books influenced my life and how ?
I don’t really have any books that have influenced me. What is certain is that I’ve always been very touched by books about feelings in love. I can mention: “L’éducation sentimentale” by Gustave Flaubert / “La Confusion des sentiments” by Stefan Zweig / “Anna Karénine” by L.Tolstoï … to name but a few. I also went through a period when I only read political books in order to develop a real political awareness.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
I’ve got too many ideas running through my head. I want to say everything at once. I’d like to listen to the whole of my playlist, go from Franck to Ravel then Brahms, a bit of Liszt before listening to the whole of Rachma’s piano concertos, go through Scriabin then Schubert’s two-cello quintet in one go ! There are too many masterpieces to choose from !
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction ?
Rizvan Khan in the movie “My name is Khan”, embodies a character very inspiring by his humanity
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life ?
My mom and dad, of course ! My lover, of whom I am very proud and my former teacher who is very important to me.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?
It’s too hard for me to answer this question, but I can wholeheartedly recommend to watch all Stanley Kubrick’s films. Especially “A Clockwork Orange”. He’s an absolute genius !
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?
Nothing is written and everything remains to be built. That’s why every morning I get up with the ambition to achieve my goals and dreams.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
My mother is my biggest fan. Who could be a bigger fan than a mum ? I have received financial support from the Caisse d’Epargne to finance my Franck Ravatin cello. My partner in crime is my lover, who always supports me in my projects.
What project am I looking forward to work on?
I would like to perform as much as possible, whether as a soloist or in a chamber music ensemble. No real goal other than to play all the time and everywhere !
Where can you see me or my work?
You can see me in my upcoming concerts : at the « Abbaye de Noirlac », the « Grange de Luynes » and the « Douves d’Onzain » between September 9 and 17. And at the festival “Les vacances de Monsieur Haydn” on September 23 and 24 at La Roche-Posay.
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
This is the story of my life. The passion makes things possible. It’s thanks to this that I accomplish all this and everything I plan to do. It’s also what makes me happy on a daily basis, and how I met such beautiful people. If everyone did things with passion the world would be very different
How can you contact me ?
You can contact me be email :
carla.cello03@gmail.com
On Instagram : carlaa_cello
On Facebook : Carla Moujahed-Coste