What is the best thing that I love about my work?

To be in contact with so much beauty every day, being sure that I will find something new every moment, even in works I played for ages.

What is my idea of happiness?

Live like the truest, highest expression of yourself as a human being: it can be something very complicated or very simple, different for everyone, from baking cakes to playing piano recitals.

What is my greatest fear?

I have no great fears, believe it or not, but having to give an answer, it might be to misuse my time here, in this lifetime. (I’m trying to use it well, though!)

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

Absolutely nothing that I deplore! Not because I think to be perfect, obviously. I am just an imperfect human being, I constantly work to grow and improve myself, every single day, but there’s nothing to deplore.

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?

Many people, no names in particular, there are many people whose work is really excellent.

What is my greatest extravagance?

Well, it depends of what one considers to be extravagant. Something that feels natural to me can be weird to somebody else, an the other way around. What is “normal”? And, overall, is it “normal” something positive?

On what occasion would I lie?

We all lie soon or later, there’s no one who never did it. So, I suppose I do my best not to do it, failing miserably from time to time.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

I love my piano, but I regret not to can take it with me, like flutists, violinists and others players do. That’s a great issue in my life because I am a travel enthusiast. Sometimes I find some clever solutions, like my last trip to Mexico, where I gave two recitals and then travelled in the south, backpacking alone for two weeks, loved it!

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

Very difficult to choose a place and an occasion in particular, I would rather say that I am really happy every time I sit on the bench. Among my happiest concerts, instead, Shanghai Symphony Hall, Prague and Buenos Aires.

If I could, what would I change about myself?

I wouldn’t change anything, neither in me as the person I am, nor in my past life: I made many mistakes, passed through some awkward situations… but they took me where I am, as the person I am right now, so in some way I am in peace with everything. Just, if I could be a little taller! :))

What is my greatest achievement in work?

Not concerts around the world, not honors, not being recognized publicly. I think the best reward I have is making people happy: convey a real message in my playing, sharing arts, helping my students to achieve their own goals and become better musicians, that’s what makes me feel good.

Where would I most like to live?

I love Italy, where I was born: art, cuisine, so much history and the biggest cultural heritage in the world, and maybe also the most beautiful place in the world… I find living in Madrid very comfortable, though; I love Madrid lifestyle, colors, places, culture… everything.

What is my most treasured possession?

Do we truly possess the real important things? I don’t think so, I really don’t. Those things that really matters are very far from the idea of possession: love, people, music, planet Earth, our spirit and thoughts, time. We do not possess a single thing in this shortlist.

What is my most marked characteristic?

Free thinking and independence.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

I like the Buen Retiro Park very much, but also places like the Reina Sofia museum and all the Malasaña neighbor.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?

There’s no place like home: no overcooked pasta, no fake Italian restaurants!

What books influenced my life and how?

Here is very difficult to make a shortlist, but let’s try:
1) Never eat alone, by Keith Ferrazzi The first book that made me understand how the real world works (in the good sense, of course)
2) The magic of thinking big, by David Schwartz, one of the best synthesis of powerful instruments to get better every day, as a professional and as an individual
3) The Third Door, by Alex Banayan (almost the story of my life, yet I haven’t been so bold, but admire a lot people like Alex!) 4) Call me by your name, by André Aciman, wonderful story so delicately painted in words. Poetic.
5) Profondo come il mare, leggero come il cielo, by Gianluca Gotto, one of the best books ever, I am sorry there’s no English translation, by hope they will translate it soon, it would
be so helpful.
6) De padre a hija, cartas de Alberto Ginastera a su hija Georgina. I loved this book, a vivid portrait of the Argentinian composer Alberto Ginastera, through his daughter’s eyes: a true portrait, extremely sincere, looking at every side of the man and the artist, with no indulgence and, yet, great
affection… simply beautiful.
7) Biologia della gentilezza, by Daniel Lumera and Immacolata De Vivo, lifechanging.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?

Romanza in A Major (Homage to Mozart), by Giuseppe Devastato.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

Hermione Granger (Harry Potter’s best friend).

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

My mother, who pushed herself against the odds to give me the best possible future, I owe her really much of what I have, maybe everything.

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?

Once upon a time in America, by Sergio Leone

What role play stories in my life and work?

A crucial one, I just ended the Leon Piano Meeting (summer piano masterclass) thanking every student for their story: standing behind each musician there is a personal story, often a very strong and suffered one… I loved the way we put all these stories together to create something big.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?

Agree. We are what we choose, what makes you the person you are it’s not your skills, it’s your choices.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

My partner, by far. And, in a different way, every student I meet as a piano teacher, I love helping people make the change they want, many times it is a change they didn’t believe to be able to make.

What project am I looking forward to work on?

Make the Leon Piano Meeting, of which I am co-founder, even bigger and outstanding, and write a book about some aspects of the piano performance, and offering good opportunities to young pianists with the WPTA Italy International Piano Competition. I am President of WPTA Italy since last September, it’s a new adventure and our aim is helping musicians to get their place in the world.

Where can you see me or my work?

My website: http://www.cristinacavalli.com http://www.wptaitalyipc.com

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

Sounds familiar: most pianists played till their very last day… it’s wonderful.

Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story?
Giuseppe Devastato, pianist and Composer
Luciano Ruotolo, manager in the art game and musician
Benedetta Orsi, soprano
Bianca Albezzano, CEO of Afinarte Education
Andrea Giuliodori, mentor and influencer (look on Instagram or
web in general for “efficacemente”)
Angelo Rinna, actor and director
Brian Field, composer
Giovanna Famulari, cellist, Singer and pianist
Daniela Mastrandrea, pianist and composer
Elena Gobbi, Director of Accademia della Musica (Italy)

How can you contact me?

Aside from the website, my email is the best and quickest way:
contact@cristinacavalli.com Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/cristinacavallipiano/