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Melani Peoska

Pianist and Composer

Germany

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About

Melani Peoska was born in Zagreb (Croatia) in 1985. In 2009 she obtained her Master's degree (M.A. Piano) at the Academy of Music - Zagreb (Croatia) in the class of the internationally renowned pianist Prof. Pavica Gvozdic. She received high prizes at competitions in Croatia such as the 1st prize in the competition "Little Amadeus", as well as awards at national competitions in piano and chamber music. She is also the winner of a number of special awards, such as the Fonds - Award Janka Sanjek. She plays many piano recitals in Croatia, Germany and other EU countries. Melani Peoska participated in the seminar at the Summer Music Academy in Salzburg with the prominent piano teacher Prof. Einar Steen Nokleberg. In 2008 she recorded a CD - an album with famous classical pieces and evergreens in collaboration with the analog-digital sound studio, "Longplay" in Zagreb.

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Interview

What does music mean to you personally?

Music has been an important part of my life since I can remember. As a child,music was part of my playing and dancing,later music grew into a inseparable love that still lasts,it's like a part of my inner being.

Do you agree that music is all about fantasy?

Well,not all about fantasy. For me,composing is associated with emotions,experiences,life circumstances,exploration,ideas etc. and mostly comes in an intimate environment, with an instinct of inspiration. When I listen to works or when I perform them I can fantasize.

If you were not a professional musician, what would you have been?

It's hard to say, I like nature and animals,probably something in that direction. As a mother and wife,I take care of my family, raise my children and do handful of homework so that's actually my real „job".

The classical music audience is getting old, are you worried about the future?

I am not worried,I think classical music is still very popular,still sells out the leading concert halls,features in the films, theatre ,radio or any social media. Just look at the comments on (for example) Youtube,you will see that there are many young people who listen to such music.Classical music is so universal,so extraordinary and timeless so that never gets old.

What do you envision the role of music to be in the 21st century? Do you see that there is a transformation of this role?

I think music will increasingly go in the direction of film music,social media, video games, such in direction of music therapy.

Do you think that the musician today needs to be more creative? What is the role of creativity in the musical process for you?

Creativity is essential for any form of art,including music and creativity has no limits.I think it's important to create with love and passion,be honest and yourself,devoted and that is actually a path of originality that the audience will feel and recognize.

Do you think we as musicians can do something to attract the younger generation to music concerts? How would you do this?

We need to educate students, bring them to get to know classical music (not just classical) in an interesting way,with lot of love and enthusiasm. There are also various videos on the Internet, everything is available so for a start they have an opportunity to listen and watch about music. At my concerts,I always try to attract a younger audience,giving them a free entrance.

Tell us about your creative process. What is your favorite piece (written by you) and how did you start working on it?

I usually compose at night when I have the most free time,silence and my privacy. There's also some dose of spirituality at night,when I get urge to compose and improvise. These are really great,creative,exploratory moments. In improvising on the piano,I sometimes get a musical though and right after that the whole composition in just 10 minutes like the „Moonlight“. I don't have a permanent favorite composition,they alternate periodically.

Can you give some advice for young people who want to discover classical music for themselves?

It is important to have the „will“ and the advice would be to start listening to classical music and going to classical concerts. Listening to various composers, various musical epochs,various instruments, perhaps starting with a romantic or classical period. Likewise,the recommendation would be to study at least one instrument.

Do you think about the audience when composing?

No,I don't.

What projects are coming up? Do you experiment in your projects?

I work as an instrumental pedagogue and I am a concert pianist by profession. Due to the current Covid-19 situation,until now all my performances were unfortunately canceled. As the artistic director of the "Virtuoso" festival (together with my husband who is also a pianist) I have a lot of work to organize and realize concerts in our city so we are currently in the process of making a concert plan from this month onwards. Most important,we look forward to returning to the music scene after a long break.