The pianist Andrei Gologan will held on Wednesday, the 13^th of November 2024, an extraordinary recital in the Big Hall of the Romanian Athenaeum, as part of the "Heirs of Musical Romania" series, organized by Radio România Muzical and Rotary Club Pipera. About his debut on the Athenaeum's stage, but also about other aspects of his artistic path, Andrei Gologan talked to our colleague, Ioana Țintea.

Andrei Gologna, you are appreciated by the specialized press for your expressiveness and sensitivity of your performances. When and how did you discover that the piano is the instrument which allows you to express yourself in the best way possible?

I discovered that the piano is indeed not only an instrument, but a part of my voice, which, technically, allows me to express my feelings, at maturity of course, when I was already an adult, an experienced musician. But, my passion for music and for piano started when I was a child. I don't reckon ever being forced by my parents. Each time I remember doing it with pleasure, I was the one that wanted to learn how to play the piano, it was something I searched for.

Tell us about the first Romanian teachers who had a significant impact on your artistic path!

There are a few teachers whom I not only appreciate, but to whom I am extremely grateful. I started piano with teacher Ada Chicu at the School of Music in Piatra Neamț. I think it had been for her that I continued to study the piano, because she probably saw that I was more curious than other students and, most of the time, my curiosity was enough in order to take the first steps. I was studying with pleasure, as I said. She recommended I talked to an old university colleague of hers, Iulian Arcadi Trofin. Mister Trofin, who recently came back in the country back then after lots of years spent in Italy, was giving his time to the young pianists in Piatra Neamț. Mister Trofin was, probably, the most important mentor I had during that period of time. He gave me this passion and love towards music which I still have.

In 2009, you went to Salzburg, and after that you were admitted as a student at the Mozarteum University in the famous Austrian city. How did this experience contribute to your upbringing as a musician?

Of course, the step towards the West, towards Salzburg was crucial. Initially, I went to summer school, I studied with professor Robert Levin and I only remember how confused I was. I literally couldn't understand what studying in a great university abroad meant, I didn't know which ones were great. Now I realise how privileged are some of colleagues born in cultural capitals such as Vienna, Berlin… they understand the importance of a music university. Back then, I didn't, but I was lucky enough to meet amazing professors such as Robert Levin or my later university professor, Pavel Kirilov. Due to their help, especially due to Pavel Kirilov's help, I went further into the art of piano performance. Indeed, it was a crucial step and I am really happy I took it.

What followed after Salzburg?

Salzburg is still an open stage. I finished my masters there. I also went to Cologne for a short period of time; there, I studied at the Faculty of Music. Salzburg became an adoptive city for me. Meanwhile, my passion for education and the passion to pass on what I have learned from these great masters has materialised and, starting this semester, I am teaching chamber music at the faculty in Freiburg. So, right now I am dividing my time between Salzburg and Freiburg - two rather similar and beautiful cities.

Photo credit: Florin Ghenade