Yana Burova - The Interviews
Down Under In Harmony
International Violinist & Educator
MetSO Interview - Down Under In Harmony - Yana Burova
Here is my recent “Meet the Musician” interview with the MetSO :
Why do you play the violin?
I started playing the violin because of my mum. She is a violin teacher and recognised my natural musical ability early on. Now I play the violin because I believe the instrument truly has a soul.
Do you play any other instruments?
Yes, I play the piano as well, although not to a very high standard.
What instrument would you secretly like to play?
Perhaps the trumpet!
Favourite Opera?
Anything by Mozart. I feel a deep connection to the purity of his music.
Favourite 3 Symphonies?
Mahler Symphonies No. 4, 5 and 9. They contain so many layers and they touch me very deeply
Favourite 2 classical orchestras / ensembles?
The Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic and the Concertgebouw Orchestra
Favourite 3 instruments by sound quality / timbre?
Violin, cello and piano.
Favourite movie sound track?
Pulp Fiction.
Favourite scale?
C minor, without a doubt.
Best tip for overcoming stage fright / performance nerves?
Be extremely well prepared and imagine the performance in advance.
What is your best tip for young players?
Practice — and fall in love with the process of discovering new musical ideas and possibilities.
What is the oddest thing we would find in your instrument case?
A 300-year-old Bulgarian coin.
What is the most useful bit of kit in your instrument case?
Spare strings.
What do you sing in the shower?
“This is My World” by Tim Minchin.
I can’t listen to music and …?
… concentrate on anything else.
What do you like to eat before a performance?
Nothing. I never eat before performing because it helps me maintain concentration.
If you could have the voice of any instrument which would it be?
The cello, because of its unique depth.
When do you like to listen to music?
Anytime really, but preferably live.
Where do you like to listen to music?
In a concert hall.
What music most inspires you?
Music that moves me emotionally. It can be anything—from classical to pop—as long as it has quality and authenticity.
What musicians inspire you most?
Leonidas Kavakos, Janine Jansen, Yuja Wang and Augustin Hadelich.
What music will get you moving?
Queen, Michael Jackson, Tim Minchin, Whitney Houston and Bulgarian folk music.
Who has provided you with the most support in your musical life?
My mum, my teacher Yfrah Neaman and my brother.
What makes you the happiest in your musical life?
Being able to express myself without words and communicate with the audience. I also love inspiring young musicians and teaching them the beauty of music. Seeing my students grow and discover a world they can connect with through their instrument makes me very happy.
Additional Questions
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Bubbly, Creative & Shy (although you might not suspect it).
What is a secret about you?
I’m not going to tell you :)
What is your most memorable stage experience?
Performing at Wigmore Hall.
What is the most exciting thing you have done in your life?
Giving birth to my two beautiful boys.
What is your favourite thing about Perth?
Its unspoiled natural beauty.
What sound do you love?
Birds and the sound of the sea.
What sound do you hate?
Chewing. I have misophonia, so certain human sounds are difficult for me.
If you could ask Mozart one question, what would it be?
How on earth did you manage to create so much beauty in such a short life?
If you had Mozart over for dinner what would you serve?
Lasagna in the shape of a violin.
If you could take only one recording to a desert island, what would it be?
Grieg’s Piano Concerto
How do you like to prepare for a concert?
Practice - and sing the musical phrases.
What is the hardest thing you have ever played?
The Babajanian Sonata
How important is history and context when you are playing a piece?
Understanding the historical and cultural context of a work is crucial. It allows you to interpret the music faithfully and remain true to the spirit of its time
What inspires me the most is an honest approach to music.
The idea that one begins with nothing and gradually creates something meaningful that can hopefully move and inspire others is very powerful to me. Through this process I learn a great deal about myself—about my stamina, my discipline and my dedication in striving to achieve a result I am truly happy with before sharing it with an audience. In many ways, it feels like telling a story.
I am also deeply inspired by young musicians. If I can help them develop a deeper understanding of music and support them in expressing themselves through the language of music naturally and freely, then I feel I have truly done my job.
I will reveal more details about my upcoming appearance with MetSO (Sunday, March 29th),
in my radio interview this Saturday (March 14th)
with the wonderful Tony Howes OAM
Capital Radio 101.7fm (about 10am-ish).
Tune in to Capital Events for Tony’s in depth interview with myself and inimitable MetSO Distinguished Conductor Bruce Herriman.
