On October 8^th, 2010, the opening night of a new National Radio Orchestra season, the ensemble had the pianist Luiza Borac as its guest, under conductor Horia Andreescu’s baton. The soloist of the evening gave us an interview, and we discussed the programme of the concert, as well as her collaboration with the National Radio Orchestra.

For the opening of the season you will be interpreting music by Chopin, just as you did on your return to the country, at the recital in Mogosoaia. Could we say that Chopin is your favourite composer?

I believe that Chopin is the favourite composer of most pianists. Without him, who dedicated himself to this instrument, there would be perhaps fewer concerts and a lot fewer pianists. Chopin wrote music that displayed all the splendour and beauty of Romanticism.

What could you tell us about the two pieces that you will interpret with the National Radio Orchestra?

First of all, I don’t think that we do enough to render homage to this great composer. This year we celebrate not only Frédéric Chopin, but also Robert Schumann; two hundred years have passed since the birth of these two titans of Romantic music.

One of the two pieces I will interpret – Variations on “Là ci darem la mano” on the theme of Don Giovanni by Mozart – was discovered by Robert Schumann who, on finding Chopin’s handwritten music score, wrote an article that made the young Polish composer – he was only 19 -- famous overnight. The article was titled “Hats off, gentlemen, he is a genius!” So through this work by Chopin we find a strong connection with Robert Schumann. The public will recognise this widely-known piece, “Là ci darem la mano”, perhaps the best-loved theme in Mozart’s oeuvre, and also, thanks to the composers who arranged this theme, one of the best-known in the musical world.

The other piece, “Andante spianato et grande polonaise brillante”, exactly as the title suggests, is a polonaise of a great musical span and brilliance, preceded by an andante, a short solo piano introduction. It is music that creates a Chopin-like reverie.

Both works exist as solo pieces in the pianists’ repertoires, but the piano and orchestra versions are also played. I thank the Radio for having chosen these versions for the season-opening concert of the National Radio Orchestra, and for their homage to the great Frédéric Chopin.

You have played alongside the National Radio Orchestra before. How would you describe your partnership with this ensemble?

In highly laudatory terms; I’ve partnered with the National Radio Orchestra for recordings and concerts. The orchestra has always performed at the highest level, well-prepared and lead superbly/impeccably by the maestro, Horia Andreescu. It’s a collaboration that has always been a source of joy to me. It’s been an honour and a privilege and I feel certain that the opening night will be an evening as beautiful as I have ever lived together with this prestigious Romanian ensemble.