What is the best thing that I love about my work? I love to share music through concerts. Taking the audience along different atmospheres and feelings. I am a pianist and perform as recitalist, chamber musician and art song pianist. I love it when people tell me after a concert the music emotionally touched them. In the preparation phase towards a concert I love diving into new music. Working on music daily and noticing the progress makes me happy and gives me inner peace.

What is my idea of happiness? Feeling full of energy and working towards my dreams and goals surrounded by my loved ones and close friends.

Photo credit: Yoshie Kuwayama

What is my greatest fear? Not being able to play the piano anymore because of injury or illness. And of course, losing one of my loved ones. But I try not to focus on fear and instead trust that life will bring me whatever I need to learn.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? I’m a sensitive person. I know this is a good trait in a lot of ways but it often takes me a lot of energy. Over the years I learned how to deal with it and what I need to reload my batteries, which is crucial both for playing music and for teaching. I tend to give myself fully in everything I do.

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? I admire the visions and willpower of certain people. For example Maria João Pires, for her visions on giving and reflecting as an artist and seeing concerts as a communication between the artist and the audience. I admire how she can get to the essence of the music. She believes in making the world a better place through art. She also talks about “the desire to progress in joining the musical work as a reflection on oneself, sometimes unsettling, but necessary to the pursue of new paths.” Every artist, whichever field, needs to look deep into themselves to be able to create something. This is not different in playing classical music. We do play music that’s already been written but what will you do with it? In this way we are no competitors. We all bring our own story to the music. I admire Anna Vinnitskaya for her power combined with finesse and femininity.

What is my greatest extravagance? I would love it to be shoes but I guess I’m too considering spending my money. 🙂 But as I’m a lover of very pure, good tea, whenever I’m in France and see a Mariage Frères teahouse I must go in and buy a beautiful box of Vert Provence or a Jasmin tea. It always takes me back to my days where I went to Paris for private piano lessons.

On what occasion would I lie? If I would spend too much money on shoes 🙂 Probably not telling the whole truth or keeping silent not to hurt other people’s feelings for no reason.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? Having to find comfort every time in new situations. For example adjusting to a piano which may not be the greatest before a concert. This is also interesting though because it’s good to see how you can make it work.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? After a concert I feel great. Especially when the audience shares their experience of the music. I love to touch the audience with music. This feeling is even greater when playing together with outstanding musicians.

If I could, what would I change about myself? Not feeling nervous anymore for concerts. And to feel at ease anywhere, regardless of the situation.

What is my greatest achievement in work? The fact that I keep on going. I didn’t have the easiest path getting where I am now but I have a very strong will to do this work and to never give up.

Where would I most like to live? Somewhere surrounded by nature and maybe some animals. Definitely with other people around me. I prefer it not to be too far from a city full of culture and good restaurants.

What is my most treasured possession? First of all my wonderful daughter! But I don’t see her as my possession so then I would say my grand piano.

What is my most marked characteristic? I like to do everything well and I am very determined in what I do. I also think it is important to try to be kind to everyone.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? The ‘Hendrik Conscienceplein’ in Antwerp, where the Sint-Carolus Borromeus church is. There are lots of small, cozy streets with nice cafes and restaurants. Also a handful of beautiful small shops. I used to come there a lot during my time at The Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city? Oh there are so many in Antwerp and I must say it changes each couple of years for me. At the moment I must say Humm at the Dageraadplaats. It’s a vegan restaurant. Everything is so delicious there! I love to enjoy a well thought out meal.

What books influenced my life and how? Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield. Sometimes it’s good to be reminded that doing the work is just sitting there and doing it. It’s not glamorous. And everyone who wants to reach a goal has to go through this. It’s not going to happen by itself. It can also be quite lonely as a pianist. At these moments it is helpful for me to know others are also going through those kinds of feelings. This book is about staying in your own created ‘Shadow life’ or ‘Turning pro’. Be your own manager by Bernhard Kerres and Bettina Mehne. A career Handbook for Classical Musicians. This book was the first I read to really answer some of the career questions I had after I got my Master degree. I recently took the online Base course of the BYOM Academy with Bernhard Kerres, which changed my whole vision and approach to my career. A third book would be:The musicians Way, a guide to Practice, Performance and Wellness by Gerald Klickstein.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? There is too much beautiful music to make a choice! Chopin Piano concerto nr 1 with Krystian Zimerman, Mozart Piano Concerto nr 2 in B major K39, Beethoven piano concerto No. 5, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan,…

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Enola Holmes

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? My grandfather who is 95. I love his mindset. He is a ‘self made man’, working himself up through hard work. He doesn’t like complaining, and neither do I. Of course we tell each other when something is not going the way you want or if you’re going through a rough time but in spite of these things trying to see the positive. People who go for their dreams. People who inspire others, consciously or unconsciously.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? Fiction: Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I have this memory of watching old classic movies with my grandparents in Germany. Non fiction: Kiss the Ground, a documentary about nature and ecology.

What role play stories in my life and work? I love telling stories, both to my daughter and in music. I also think it is fascinating to see that once you start asking people questions they have such beautiful or heartbreaking things to tell about their lives. I also can get totally lost in a good novel. All of these stories I hear and see, in movies, books, from people,… I take them with me and unconsciously use them when I play music. Developing yourself as a musician also means developing your ability to tell stories with music.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ mean to me? You create your own life. You decide! The hard thing is being conscious every day to make the right decisions that lead towards your vision and not to get stuck in the small things of daily life.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My partner Steven, my daughter and my mother.

Which people or companies would I like to work with ? I would love to play (f.e. with my new program with cellist Gwangkyun Moon) at the Arte Amanti Festival of Reinilde Leyers. I love how she created a stage for young talented musicians in combination with more established musicians.
There are also many very nice Classical music Festivals who create this wonderful atmosphere by combining music with special places. I would love to play at Delft Chamber Music Festival, Festival Stroom in Antwerp,…

What project am I looking forward to work on? My new project is coming up with the great cellist Gwangkyun Moon! Immediately on the first rehearsal it felt like we’ve been playing together for ages. We came up with a program called Songs of love which includes music we chose based on the old Greeks concept of 8 different forms of love. It gave us the chance to combine music from Elgar, Rachmaninof, Dvorak, Piazzolla,…with some film music. I’m also looking forward to playing with the soprano Morann De Langhe. We are currently working on a new program around Irish folk songs. I met her for the first time half an hour before a house concert. We were put together as she lives in The Netherlands and didn’t know a pianist in Antwerp to play with her at the concert she was asked for. Accidentally they asked me if I was available. It was a funny and nice experience because we matched very well and the audience was surprised to hear we just met each other right there.

Where can you see me or my work? My new website will soon feature a calendar with the concert dates. You can find it at http://www.anjakuttner.com If you’re around Antwerp you can come listen to Songs of love at De Theatergarage on 10/11/2023. You can find the information and buy tickets here: https://theatergarage.be/jaarprogramma/ My YouTube chanel is https://www.youtube.com/@anjakuttner2568 You can also find me on Spotify (and other streaming platforms) and Instagram. Links can be found on my website.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? If you have passion for something you keep going and keep working on it. You can not, and just don’t want to, stop the thing that you are passionate about. You can put it on hold, if necessary, but you probably won’t feel happy without it. I’m sure I will be playing piano and making music until the end of my days.

Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story?
In no particular order:
Irene Russo – pianist
Beer Bergman – writer and entrepreneur
Kathleen Kelly – conductor, coach and collaborative pianist
Elenora Pertz – pianist
Lynn Cassiers – jazz singer
Helena Schepens – designer and maker
Lana Bode – pianist
Tutu Puoane – jazz singer
Heike Matthiesen – guitarist
Michelle Lynne – pianist

How can you contact me?
On my Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/kuttneranja/
On my Facebook account https://www.facebook.com/anja.kuttner
My email: anjakuttner@gmail.com

Video links: https://youtu.be/EXhSQdJn1a0?si=2cmj5RZpp6PHSK5F
https://youtu.be/Z9yU4bo6-qk?si=gAgx7EgodEDSnukj