Playing piano along the ocean

On 17 March Oksana Shevchenko – renown pianist and finalist of Sydney International Piano Competition 2016 has started her month-long tour of Australia. This tour started in Perth and will take Oksana across most of the continent, finishing with two big solo concerts in Sydney and Melbourne in April. During this tour Oksana will be giving concerts, master classes, and taking a residence at the University of Western Australia for a week.

Oxana graciously agreed to talk to me between rehearsals, taking in the view of the ocean from the saddle of the bike and video-conversation with her little daughter.

- You have a big tour of Australia ahead of you. And it's very diverse. How was the tour program created?
- The Sydney International Piano Competition has already made it a tradition for the winners and laureates to return to Australia for a big tour. This, in a way, is raising the profile of the competition and promoting classical music in capitals and small towns across Australia. The tours range from solo concerts to workshops, to a week at the University of Western Australia, where I will be talking to students, rehearsing and sharing my knowledge.

- You've been on the big stage from a young age. You have participated in many competitions and played all over the world in the best halls. How was Sydney competition different?
- It was very long. During the contest I had to perform 6 times, each time with a different program. Also, the very fact that competitors performed in the Sydney Opera House is memorable and precious. This was unforgettable experience.

- And what kind of program for your concerts did you bring? And who made this program?
- I did it myself. I offered the organizers the things I play in the season. Plus, of course, the ones that are popular anywhere, Musorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition.

- You are constantly learning, improving. Is there a limit? Is there a definite goal?
- In fact, I'm not studying anymore, that is, I'm not a student. But we musicians, like ballet dancers, always need a second eye, a second ear. I use any opportunity to play for my teachers. I once studied in Rome, so when I need an ear, I go to Rome.

- Which musicians would you like to play with?
- I never thought about it. I would probably like to play two grand pianos with Argentinean pianist Martha Argerich. She is an amazing woman and musician. She has so much strength, energy, youth. I would very much like to play with her. Also, I am very lucky, I perform with the best cellist in the world Narek Hakhnazaryan.

- You have been in music since very early childhood. Is it a dream? A job? And what would you say to the popular statement "you stole a child's childhood"?
- From my personal experience I will say this: my mother brought me to music school. She also brought me to drawing, swimming, dancing and English. I did everything with great enthusiasm and pleasure. I still remember all the dances and swim the style that I was taught as a child. Nobody stole my childhood from me. I had friends and everything a child should have. And I managed to do everything and have time for everything.
Children are pliable. They have huge energy reserves and are full of resources. The child's body and mind should be occupied. My parents tried to give me the opportunity to try as many different things as possible. I will do the same with my daughter.
Over time, music has conquered territory from all the other activities and has become a part of me and my life.

- If it wasn't for the piano, what would it be?
- Only the piano. I'm not made for another instrument, even physiologically.

- Where will you go after your Australian tour?
- Home to St. Petersburg. My husband and year-old daughter are waiting for me there. I talked to them on video today. My daughter learned how to fold a pyramid... I miss her so much. So, when I return to St. Petersburg, I will be folding pyramids for a month. I won't say it's more important than a career. But I can dedicate a month to it, because it is the right thing to do at this time. It is a kind of balancing my life.