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'Classical music is for the elite'

RARELY DOES one in the musical world come across an artist who is as pure and as talented as pianist Marek Mizera. City Times catches up with the artist for a quick chat, ahead of his upcoming concert in the capital on February 6.

How did your association with music begin?

I come from a home where we often listened to music and my mother played the piano. That’s how I got started. My concert career began while I was in secondary music school in my native city.

I began taking regular lessons at the age of 7. I attended the Music Academy in Warsaw, studying under the supervision of Kazimierz Gierzod. I also worked with Kajetan Mochtak, Jerzy Godziszewski and Jozef Stompel in Poland, and then abroad with Phil Cohen in Montreal and Lazar Berman in Moscow.

How has your approach to your instrument changed over the years?

In art, progress means a change in perspective. The higher we climb, the further we see, and so it goes. As time goes by, we gain skills, learn to be humble, and begin to understand that there is always room for improvement.

Your music is blessed with a certain depth and wisdom. What elements do you think are responsible for this boon?

I think my hard work and consistent approach — marked by logic and aesthetics — has refined my musical notes.

The younger generation is more inclined towards hip hop and pop music. So what do you think of the future of piano music?

Classical music, including the piano, has always had a relatively small group of followers. It has been, and still is, for the elite. I think that it will remain so.

How do you feel about performing in Abu Dhabi?

I have performed many a time in Abu Dhabi. I remember the audience here has given me one of the warmest receptions I have ever received worldwide. After performing in Abu Dhabi, I have concerts in Germany, Austria and England.

Tell us something about your recent recordings with Dux? What lies ahead?

Throughout my career, I have cooperated with renowned musicians, and have performed both as soloist and as accompanist.

My association with the well-known recording company 'Dux' is quite vigorous and enthusiastic. My latest recordings are compositions by Mozart, Schubert, Friedmane and Stravinsky, all for the ‘Dux’ record label. My partner is the Polish pianist Janusz Polanski for the pieces for ‘four hands’.

At present, as I am also a professor at the institute for Musical Education of the Swietokrzyska Academy in Kielce, I plan to learn new repertoires, record and give performances with lessons.

CONCERT INFO

EVENT: Marek Mizera Concert

LOCATION: ADMA-OPCO Auditorium

TIMING: 8 pm