Natasha Korsakova - violinist
Natasha Korsakova, daughter of renowned violinist Andrei Korsakov and world-class pianist Yolanta Miroshinkova began to learn music skills at the age of five, she is also the great-granddaughter of generations of great musicians like Nikolai Rimski-Korsakov and Boris Korsakov.
Natasha studied at the Special Music School by Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow and then at Ulf Klausenitzer in Nuremberg before taking part in numerous concerts as a soloist and chamber music tours throughout Europe, the U.S. and Mexico. Her highly musical repertoire has been defined by Frankfurter Allgemeine as 'one of the new generation of most talented violinists.'
Alun Francis, David Wiley, Ernest Green, Heiko Matthias Förster, Charles-Olivier Munroe, are some of the greatest conductors Natasha Korsakova has worked with. She was named 1998 "Artist of the Year" in Chile. In 2000 she played at the Paris Dimitri Memorian Schostakowitsh and in 2008 at the "Concerti del Quirinale" in Rome. Named ‘Artist of the Year’ in the Sirmione Catullo, the following year Natasha played a duet with pianist Simone Soldati in the Piazza del Campidoglio. In 2011 she performed with violinist Manrico Padovani at the Nervi Hall, Vatican City, for Pope Benedict XVI.
Natasha Korsakova is Cultural Ambassador for Sorella Natura Foundation.
Accademia Apulia has asked Natasha Korsakova the following questions:
As a child prodigy what is your fondest childhood memory?
I remember music being everywhere! My parents and even our neighbours played musical instruments, so I was truly surrounded by music.
In what way coming from an artistic family unit impacted on your professional career?
It was a real help to be brought up in such musical family. So I consider myself very lucky to have had good teachers like my grandfather Boris and my father Andrei. In addition to encouraging me to study music for violin, they also gave me some great suggestions on how to live life as an artist.
How do you manage to live up to the reputation of your famous ancestors? Any fears?
Certainly I feel a deep responsibility to continue the work of my ancestors, to being the fifth generation of musicians. However, I would speak of inspiration rather than fear: to be afraid or insecure is a great disadvantage, it makes you lose your sense of creativity.
Is the relationship between talent and success directly proportional?
Talent is essential - the road to success is long. Hard work and patience are equally important.
Is this why in 2009 you said "The violin and I represent a story of love and sacrifice”
The love for the violin has always accompanied me. I would say that the sacrifice is represented by having to study all the time during my childhood, when (as now), I had to practice every day - even when I felt like playing with my friends. But today I am convinced that this sacrifice was absolutely worth it!
Which artist you like playing the most and why?
W. A. Mozart. This composer is radiant, his music has great expressiveness. I cannot find the words to explain, but for me to play Mozart has always been a very natural feeling - almost like breathing.
Every interpretation or performance is different, but what makes you think, ‘yes this is memorable performance'?
Definitely when there is a magic bond with the public. That is, when you feel an invisible bridge connecting the artist with the audience.
Is there a special contemporary composer you admire?
There are so many composers the music of which I play with great joy. Among them are Daniel Schnyder, Robert Vinson, Thomas Fortmann. They all have a great future.
Natasha Korsakova, you are an exceptional talent. If you were not a violinist, what other job would you do?
There are three jobs I particularly like. Translator - because I love languages. Writer - I love to create story lines. Race driver - I love cars.
You modeled for Max and in your concerts you wear Laura Biagiotti. How important is the image for an artist?
Elegance and good taste are important. The public listens to music, but also enjoys an artist’s stage presence. However you should never go overboard with the styling, not to detract the attention from the music.
What are your future plans and expectations?
Touring the USA, Canada and Brazil, but there are also many concerts in Europe, like in Italy, Germany and Spain. I would like to take classical music to different countries and make it more accessible to young people.
What is your message for young musicians in search of affirmation?
Never stop believing in yourself, don’t despair in difficult times.
