World Piano Day: Q&A with Jeneba Kanneh-Mason
Sat 29 Mar 2025Why the piano? What made you choose it as your instrument?
I don’t remember choosing it because I was 3 years old. But it was something I instantly loved and used to just go and sit at the piano and play it.
What other hobbies do you have? Are they a welcome distraction from the piano or do you think they somehow enhance your playing?
I love reading novels because it’s a way to get inside other characters and of gaining a broader perspective on life, which sometimes I can bring to bear in my music making.
What are you most proud of during your career?
I’m most proud of recording and releasing my first album Fantasie.
What advice would you give to young musicians?
Try and go to as many concerts as you can, listen to and watch as many artists as possible.
Are you looking forward to playing Rachmaninov’s second piano concerto? Why is it an important piece of music and what does it mean to you?
It’s a piece that’s followed me through my entire childhood and early adulthood and whenever I come back to it, I love it even more. It’s such a great display of romantic repertoire, and audiences love it, with good reason!
Is there a part of the music audiences should listen out for in particular? How do you interpret this moment?
I will be happy for everyone to follow me on the journey from beginning to end and to enjoy the incredible way Rachmaninov explores and expands his themes and ideas.
What are you most looking forward to when performing in Canterbury?
Working with Marin Alsop.