Q: Why did you start to play the piano?
A: I started when I was 1 year and 10 months of age. There was an upright piano in the family room on which my elder sister studied and I knew then what I wanted to do.
Q: What captured your interest about the piano and drove you to international level?
A: The fascination about the whole world of emotions music gives us. I only made the decision to try to become a professional performer when I was in my second year at the Moscow Conservatoire; until then I had several other options.
Q: What would you say is your best performance to date?
A: Yet to come.
Q: What do you like about performing?
A: The ability to communicate with listeners and to share that musical experience you undergo whilst performing
Q: What is your favourite music to perform?
A: No particular specialities - I just love all music that communicates emotionally; this is why I am very picky about modern music - most of it sounds too much calculated to me.
Q: What is your favourite venue to perform in?
A: The Grand Hall of St Petersburg Philharmonic, Russia
Q: Do you still practise?
A: I practise every day, and when I do not have a piano available I practise in my mind (there are no miracles in this world). It is not a labour, it's a joy, but without full commitment there will be no results.
Q: You do quite a bit of recording; what is its challenges compared to live performances?
A: In the studio one can make your vision become reality, perfect and precise down to the minute detail, but in a live concert there are certain aspects that cannot be replicated during your dialogue with the microphones.
Q: How do you deal with critics and fans?
A: I listen to them but I will always make my own decisions.
Q: What is the most challenging aspect of your career?
A: Trying to jump over the bar that goes higher and higher after every performance.
Q: How do you cope with the amount of travel required by your job?
A: I dislike travelling, but as it is impossible to perform just in your home town, I have to take travelling as a necessary evil.
Q: How do you like performing with the Sinfonia?
A: Southern Sinfonia is a very special orchestra. Musicians come to play because they love music and they want to be part of that music-making process. Together we are doing our best to serve music, life and the beauty it holds and to share it with the audience. What would we have without it? Just jobs, TV and rugby? I believe human beings deserve a lot more!
Q: You have been to Dunedin before - what struck you the most about the city?
A: During my previous visits I had the chance to see just a few things, I've mostly been busy. This time I am in Dunedin for only a few [very busy] days, so not much chance for sightseeing, I'm afraid.
