What is the best thing that I love about my work? What is most beautiful is also what makes it difficult. Music is an art, a continual research, always perfectible, beauty is never an acquired skill! And at the same time, the closer we get to it, the more attractive it is and makes us “addicted”.
What is my idea of happiness? I like to think that happiness does not depend on particular circumstances, but rather on seeking it through those that are ours. Looking back, we realize that the happiest moments are not the most extraordinary, but those that we were able to share with loved ones.
What is my greatest fear? Galaxies, the infinity of the universe… Some are fascinated by them, but it scares me!
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? Procrastination ! Why do today what I could do tomorrow? But this often plays tricks…
Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? My admiration goes more towards the people I have worked with, with whom I have been able to work, to share something, but it is impossible to name just one! So I would rather cite Janine Jansen, who is of all the great current violinists, the one I admire the most. Her playing is very personal, inimitable, with extraordinary expressiveness.
What is my greatest extravagance? I really don’t think I’m an extravagant person! But among my little quirks, I have a passion for Google Maps. I like looking at maps, comparing routes, but also exploring unknown places.
On what occasion would I lie? None, I hope !
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? The few minutes to wait just before a concert. You have to stay focused, while relaxing… As long as there is a little delay for the beginning of the concert, they seem endless.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work? A few concerts were notable, not necessarily the most important from a professional point of view. Rather, these were moments when I realized more intensely how lucky I was to do this job. For example, a Brahms symphony with the French Youth Orchestra, when I was 17 and I realized that it would be my daily life to be immersed in these musical masterpieces.
If I could, what would I change about myself? I would love to be able to finish all the books I start, even the most exciting detective novels ! It is a habit to start many and finish none. A tip I found to overcome this is to only choose short readings !
What is my greatest achievement in work? My greatest achievement is my work. For me, this is an achievement to be a professional violinist and to have managed to play in places and with people with whom I would never have imagined being able to play.
Where would I most like to live? In my home. I love discovering new places, new cultures, but nothing beats finding home, known and familiar places. However, I must admit that some cities give the impression of really being at home, even if you are going there for the first time! I felt this particularly strongly, for example in Lisbon, but also in York. What they have in common is being
extremely authentic.
What is my most treasured possession? The most precious material thing I own is definitely my violin! I had to wait almost two years after ordering it from my luthier, Charles Coquet. I‘m in love with its sound, dense but very clear. It is still growing with me and my playing.
What is my most marked characteristic? Hum, ask the people I live with! But one of my most frequent criteria is authenticity. I like things and people that are truly authentic.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city? I love going to Montmartre, it’s one of the Parisian tourist hotspots, but I find something very personal and confidential there. I lived nearby during my first year as a student, so I made every street corner my own.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink in my city? I love going to Parisian Bouillons. These are authentic places to taste timeless recipes in a warm setting. The Paris we love! But they are always full of people, that’s why I take advantage of having different hours from the majority of other professions to enjoy it outside of peak hours.
What books influenced my life and how? Fortunately the question is asked in the plural! The first that I would cite is of course the Bible, of which I try to read a small passage every day so that it influences my life. There are also other books by great christian personalities that have had an impact on me (Ste Thérèse of Lisieux, St Josemaria, St John Paul II, etc.) In another register, I was also marked by the memoirs of the pianist Arthur Rubinstein, whose life and personality were intense. Full of incredible anecdotes, they also depict a century that I did not know but which nourishes my imagination.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? Some Brahms for sure. If I am rich and famous enough to summon an entire orchestra and choir, I would ask to hear Brahms’ German Requiem. Otherwise, I would ask for the Intermezzos for solo piano (which is the most likely option at the moment!).
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? I was such a fan of Harry Potter as a teenager that I can’t betray him without mentioning it!
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? I deeply admire certain politicians, journalists or artists who flee easy popularity to maintain true intellectual honesty. They act in society according to their deep convictions for the common good. They are rare, because I suppose that mediatic pressure is heavy, which is what makes them truly heroic.
Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? The Godfather (especially the first episode of the trilogy). It’s a great classic, but for me it brings together everything you need for a good film. Both aesthetically and for the psychology of the characters, it is definitely worth it!
What role play stories in my life and work? Stories – real! – around the context of a work or a composer can be fascinating. For certain projects, it happened that I immersed myself so much in it, that I had the impression of living there, just as it sometimes happens that we get caught up in a series.
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me? This gives me a lot of satisfaction. I was lucky to have parents who never imposed or hindered me in my choices, so I have the feeling of really writing the story that I want my life to be.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? The question is in the singular, which makes the answer difficult! So I would simply answer that it is the friends who surround me unfailingly.
Which people or companies would I like to work with? I am a huge fan of the Bach society of the Netherlands, under the guidance of Shunske Sato. I would dream to meet and work with them.
I would also dream of a collaboration with an art gallery, in order to offer programming that
sheds light on the works exhibited, and vice versa. I particularly like the Galerie Guillaume,
as well as the Galerie Peinture Fraîche.
What project am I looking forward to work on? My sisters and I are thinking about a project, the “Goldberg Project”, which would be built around the transcription for String Trio of Bach’s famous variations, enriched by compositions by jazz pianist Noé Huchard. It is of course a project which takes a little time to design, but which allows us to immerse ourselves in this dizzying Bach’s monument.
Where can you see me or my work? You can subscribe to my Instagram page, where I share my projects and interests.
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? Even if I will not play in concert until the end of my life, it is certain that I will never be able to live without music, listening, learning…
Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story? I’m going to quote a few people outside of the music field:
Solenne Peigney, upholsterer,
Elisabeth Pillorget, designer and painter
Aurore Bano, photographer
Vanessa Martin, traveler and blogger
Hélène Aguilar, podcaster of Où est le beau
How can you contact me? You can contact through the social networks, Instagram and Facebook ! Magda Sypniewska
The Heroine's Journey 