MONACO ’ S GOT TALENT
A magnificent concerto given by Stella Almondo with Maestro Misha Katz and the Slovak Sinfonietta orchestra in Slovakia on February 24 , 2021
Великолепное выступление Стеллы Альмондо с маэстро Мишей Кацем и оркестром Slovak Sinfonietta в Словакии 24 февраля 2021 года
Photo : Roderik Kucavik
I only have one thing in mind : giving my best ! As to my getting ready , there is only one thing to it : practice ! So that I can express myself freely afterwards !
: In the last few years you have travelled a lot : New York , Paris , Slovakia , Rome and Switzerland . Can you tell us which country has made the biggest impression on you ? Where would you like to go next ?
Stella : Every city , every country is an extremely rich discovery . I love travelling meeting new people , exploring new cultures , flavours , languages ... The city that has struck me the most so far this year is New York ! As to my future destinations , it ’ s impossible to choose just one !
: Tell us about the pieces you are currently playing ? What inspires you ?
Stella : Right now I am working on a number of different pieces : Mozart , Rachmaninov , Mendelssohn , Chopin , Scriabin etc . I get inspired by reading , my own experiences , the encounters I make , my travels ... Music allows me to express my innermost feelings , dig into my imagination .
: Classical music is not very popular among young people nowadays . How does one attract the attention of the younger generation to this musical genre ?
Stella : The so-called “ classical ” music is a world of its own ! To discover the richness and the power of this art , you just need to dive into it and abandon yourself completely . If you don ’ t know much about it , I would simply recommend to be curious , listen and go to concerts ! Especially do so in Monaco , where the best world musicians are performing !
: What is the Principality of Monaco for you ? How do you spend your free time here ?
Stella : Monaco is my homeland , the blood running through my veins . I regularly visit my grandmother and my family who live in the Principality . I am fascinated by the kindness and benevolence shown by Monsignor Prince Albert II of Monaco ever since I was a child . The Prince has a great sensitivity for classical music which particularly touches me . When I am performing in front of him , I feel that he is completely immersed in listening , that he is with me . This truly gives me wings . I am very proud to be Monegasque !
: Tell us about your plans . Where do you see yourself in a few years ?
Stella : I still do have so many things to discover ! One thing is sure , however , music will always be my reason for living . I hope to continue to progress , to learn and discover new things , to carry on with travelling and giving concerts !
: Nathalie , who decided that your daughter would study music ? How did you help her to do this ? Why did you choose the piano ?
Nathalie Bijou : Stella demonstrated artistic ability at an early age . It wasn ’ t me who chose the piano for Stella . From the time she was very young , it was obvious . They chose each other , it was an immediate fusion ! Whenever she was in front of a keyboard , it was evident , she was just naturally made for it !
: Do you personally have a musical background ?
Stella performed at the Grimaldi Forum for the 15th anniversary of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation . Стелла на концерте в честь 15-летия Фонда князя Монако Альбера II в Гримальди Форуме
© Nathalie Bijou
NB : Music has always been an essential part of my life . I listened to Mozart a lot when I was pregnant with my daughter . Stella was therefore rocked by these musical vibrations from a very young age . I am sure that this has had an influence on her ! Ever since , living by my daughter ’ s side , I ’ ve been perfecting my musical ear and knowledge . A real chance indeed !
: Is it difficult to raise a child who is building a successful career and has a busy schedule at her young age ?
NB : Stella has a very strong character . For any parent invested 100 % in raising a child
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