What is the best thing that I love about my work? Indeed , being able to share my feelings with the audience and consequently make them experience whichever emotions the music contains , is what makes it worth for me, to devote myself to this art , the art of music. I believe it is truly an act of generosity opening my own heart to tell audience beautiful stories that will probably be stuck in their minds for some time. I personally feel incredibly satisfied after performing concerts and public come to express appreciation , because then I know that I fulfilled my purpose , my duty which is letting audience dive into my music and its different moods. Furthermore , the chance of working with other musicians such as orchestra conductors ,pianist accompanists.. always provides me more knowledge and experience , it is always interesting to exchange musical ideas and taking into account some new musical points of view.
What is my idea of happiness? I am always happy when I am among my family , friends.. in fact people that love me and support me in order to succeed in my musical career as a cellist. I love performing concerts , playing on stage while sharing feelings with audience and transmitting what the composer thought and meant through music , that is truly important. We , musicians , are servers of music and we are the “ tools” for the music to be spread and developed. Furthermore , taking part in competitions and being satisfied with my concerts / performances (after all the intense cello practice ) gives me power and motivation. Motivation is essential for achieving goals.
What is my greatest fear? I think surely… losing motivation. If you are not motivated , you do not mind improving or not , you also do not want to challenge yourself and you simply stay in “comfort zone”. I always set myself goals to challenge me , in order to daily gain improvements.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? I am very self- critic and strict with my cello playing. Sometimes , I might tend to give more importance to mistakes rather than success or improvement and I may get dissapointed by one silly mistake and do not realize about the whole general performance that indeed ,might be wonderful.. so probably I would enjoy even more my performance ́s results if I were not so self-critic with myself..
Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? In the cello field , above all I really look up to cellists like Jacqueline Du Pré ( she already passed away years ago but her recordings will be alive forever) and Yo-Yo Ma , for their musical sensibility and emotional souls. They have been truly inspiring role models for me since my beginnings , and as I became more mature musically , I could realize even more fascinating details in their interpretations .Listening to their recordings and analyzing musical details truly inspired and helped my development as a cellist and as a musician.
What is my greatest extravagance? I really enjoy chilling out while having some drink at a beach bar , staring at the sunset ( which I think is not quite an extravagance but gives me relax )… Now ,It is really hard for me to take some days off because I am very busy ( I just performed a sold out recital in Festival “ XXIV Noches en los Jardines del Real Álcazar de Sevilla” a few days ago , and now preparing to take part in some cello competitions in September and October 2023 , before moving to Leipzig to study in October..). But I also know that I need ,for my mental health ,sometimes switching off from cello practice and projects ( performances , exams , competitions..). For me it is not an extravagance , it is a need !
On what occasion would I lie? I believe that saying the truth is always much better than telling lies.I know that I always should be honest and generous with the other person because I would want the other person to be honest and generous with me , and therefore telling me what is realistic and true in order not to get confused or figuring out wrong things on my mind..
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? I usually practice cello really hard because I often have several cello projects ( performances that I might have , competitions in which I might take part..). The preparation of it , it is always tough, and( as I mentioned before) , I wish I had more time off the cello… Furthermore the aspect of moving to Leipzig ( Germany) to continue my studies in “Hochschule für Musik und Theater Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy “ with well- known Cellist Peter Bruns, is a wonderful chance to develop even more my cello skills , but I know I will miss so much my family , friends…
When and where was I the happiest , in my work? When the day of performing comes , for me is a kind of “ celebration” because all my work has already been done and the only thing I can do is enjoying the moment , enjoying my performance and keeping worries away. While performing I always have one purpose: sharing with audience what music is about , and letting audience know what the composer wanted to transmit . After my concerts , it gives me so much joy when people might come to express congratulations and how they appreciated my performance. That is for me a huge satisfaction , because then I know that all my work has been rewarded by the general enjoyment and approval of the audience. In fact , performing on stage is what brings me true joy because I give the audience enjoyment and at the same time I am able to enjoy the moment too. I feel really blessed and grateful for being able to devote myself to what I love.
If I could , what would I change about myself? I think I would not change my self-criticism towards my cello playing , because it is often productive and helps me to improve… in fact I believe that I would not change anything because every single person has imperfections and it is natural for human beings. Personally , sometimes in music , I believe that even certain imperfections can be appealing…
What is my greatest achievement in work? As I mentioned before , I performed a recital a few days ago in Festival “ XXIV Noches en los Jardines del Real Álcazar de Sevilla” ; a week ago I was awarded 3rd prize with Cellist Frans Helmerson at Verao Classico Festival in Portugal ; but the main moment was some months ago when I took part in Dotzauer International Cello Competition in Dresden ( Germany).In the Final Round I performed the Saint Saens Cello Concerto with orchestra , conducted by Ekkehard Klemm. It was my first time to perform as a soloist with orchestra internationally and was truly amazing experience ( finally awarded 3rd prize). Furthermore , moving now to Leipzig ( Germany) , to continue my cello studies is a huge achievement in my career. It is what I have always wanted as a cellist , to live in a country in which classical music plays an important role and belongs to its culture. Probably there , I will be having many more chances to perform ,so it lets me get known , and of course learning from really well known professors.
Where I most like to live? As I mentioned before , I love Germany because of its musical culture , wide range of music festivals…so for me it is such a great chance to move now to Leipzig to study in “ Hochschule für Musik Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy “ with Cellist Peter Bruns.
What is my most treasured possession? I think my most treasured possession could be my will power. Although things might turn not the way I would want , I would cope with it and struggle in order to gain success.
What is my most marked characteristic? I believe that being disciplined , is one of my marked characteristics. If there is anything that should be improved , I would not hesitate to check it as soon as I can.
What is my most inspirational location , in my city? Well , I love going sightseeing abroad and in my own city. But in my own city , in Sevilla , I love visiting the Real Alcázar. It has arabic arquitecture from when Arabs came to conquer Sevilla , and in fact it is quite a treasure. Precisely in the past few days ,I performed a recital within a Festival in Real Alcázar de Sevilla. It was such a true pleasure to perform in such joyful environment for the first time. By the way , it was sold out!
What is my favourite place to eat and drink , in my city? In Sevilla… There are definitely some bars located in Calle Betis , street with so many colourful houses that overlooks the Guadalquivir river..or maybe I would go to eat some “ Pestiños”( little honey pastries typical from Sevilla) at Cafetería La Campana , which is in the city centre.
What books influenced my life and how? I really have loved to read Brontë sisters since I was little. Their writing is really amazing and hooks me so much. I have re-read some of her novels because are truly inspiring and drives me into another kind of atmosphere and time. I also love “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho , it is a really philosophical book that makes me reflect on subjective issues about the protagonist…
You only die once. What music would I listen on my last day? I would probably listen to Dvòrak Cello Concerto , second movement.. which is truly out of this world ( I mean the whole concerto is masterpiece , but second movement is a little treasure..). Or maybe some Bach cello suite ( nevermind which suite because every six are just blessing).
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? I think maybe.. Billy Elliot has similarities with me in the aspect of discipline and working hard since he was so young ,in order to reach success. I believe I can identify myself with him in a way.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? Indeed , my parents have educated me with many values . They have supported me in everything I have decided , and therefore I will be always thankful to them and their huge help towards me.
Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? I have watched several times “ The bridges of Madison County” starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood. It is a truly enjoyable movie.
What role play stories in my life and work? Stories play a hugely essential role in my work as cellist. I totally believe that every music or musical piece has “ hidden” stories within ,that must be told by the performer in order to let people experience emotions. It is really satisfying for me sharing feelings with audience and afterwards meeting them and finding out what they felt about my performance , because it provides me recognition from the public.
What do the words “ You are the storyteller of your own life” to me? Indeed , each person has each own story to be told and to be built. I think there are many factors that “ escape” from my hands and do not depend on me , but I have been given the gift of talent and need to develop and polish it in order to shape my own story and destiny.
Who is my greatest fan , sponsor , partner in crime? I personally have lots of people that support me. Each time I perform concerts , come to watch me live , love my playing and follow my career. I do not know if I can call them “ fans” but I suppose I can…I think the musicians with whom I work , share stage with and exchange musical ideas , are indeed my partners in crime. I have no sponsor , which is frankly not ideal because I want to perform and promote myself more ..
Which people or companies would I like to work with? I would simply love to be able to perform more as a soloist with orchestras ( because I usually play solo or with piano accompanists). Performing with other musicians lets me to experiment new musical views and grow as a cellist. My priority now is to continue having chances to perform as much as I can and continue my cello studies in Leipzig.
What project am I looking forward to work on? Recently , I have just performed a few days ago a sold out recital in Real Álcazar de Sevilla , and just one week ago I was awarded 3rd prize in Verao Classico Festival ( in Lisbon) with well-known Cellist Frans Helmerson … from now on I have two cello competitions programmed in a few months. One national competition in Spain on September 2023 , and another one in Hungary on October 2023. I am also looking forward to starting my cello studies in October too , in Leipzig with well known Cellist Peter Bruns.. so.. at the moment , many things going on..
Where can you see me or my work?
I have a Facebook ( just put Maria Auxiliadora Bozada Waflar , my entire name in Facebook
browser). Link : https://www.facebook.com/mariaauxiliadora.bozadawaflar.9
I also have a Youtube channel ( just put my entire name in Youtube browser).Link:
https://www.youtube.com/@mauxiliadorabozadawaflar7344
In both digital platforms I post updated videos of performances , projects…
What do the words “ Passion never retires “ mean to me ? In my opinion , it means that once you have come across something that you love so much , you would never stop doing it. Just a “ crush at first sight”.
How can you contact me?
aubowa2004@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/mariaauxiliadora.bozadawaflar.9
https://www.youtube.com/@mauxiliadorabozadawaflar7344
Video links:
https://youtu.be/cR0SWGvzlDE
https://youtu.be/uHoqmtmq1kA
https://youtu.be/xaCy647v0_0
https://youtu.be/8RJ0HIBMIgQ
The Heroine's Journey 