Winner of the 2023 edition of the "Musical Heirs of Romania" scholarship, pianist Nil Mladin gives a recital at the Sala Radio on Thursday, the 6th of June. On the programme, Ludwig van Beethoven's Sonata op. 53 "Waldstein", Johannes Brahms' 7 Fantasies op. 116 and Olivier Messiaen's "Le baiser de l'Enfant Jésus".

The third episode of a larger discussion with Nil Mladin:

How does Johannes Brahms' "The 7 Fantasies", op. 116, fit into the musical programme chosen for the recital on the 6th of June at the Sala Radio?

I think they complement each other very well, because they are in contrast to the first work, so Brahms' "7 Fantasies" is a more introspective music, with a rich harmonic variety and with which I want to bring a change of tone and atmosphere. These fantasias explore a wide range of emotions and inner states, giving the audience time for reflection. It perfectly complements the initial energy of the programme with emotional, psychological depth and also offers a chance to reactivate your taste buds for the last piece in the recital, "Le baiser de l'Enfant Jésus".

Please tell us about a fond memory from your career so far.

I remember many special encounters with different musical artists. I am often reminded of the George Enescu Festival, where for a split second I had the opportunity to shake hands with various musicians, such as Yuja Wang, who played so frighteningly well, fascinatingly. When I met her she seemed such a kind, warm and fragile person, I might say, who was in absolute control, not only of the instrument, but of the hall and the orchestra. I can say that the best teacher is the one who inspires you, so my teachers are many, not just the ones I studied with.

What are your plans for the future?

First of all to honor these upcoming concerts and after this recital on the 6th of June I will have several very intense recording sessions in the radio studios where I will record another Rahmaninov program - "Variation on a Theme by Corelli", two Schubert "Impromptu" op. 90, "Scarbo" from the "Gaspard de la Nuit" suite; in September I will play the Grieg concerto with Cristian Mandeal in Cluj, in October I will play with the "Arcadia" Quartet, in November I will have a recital in Brașov. These are some of the concert activities I will have, but I am trying to collaborate with as many musicians as I can and grow in as many directions as I can, also planning to compose and improvise as much as I can, which I hope in the course of a few years will be implemented in my stage appearances.