Classical music stars talk with Deutsche Welle

Classical Music

What inspires top classical performers, composers and conductors? What reflections do they have on their performances and careers? Go backstage at some of Europe's best concert halls with this series of interviews.

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Vladimir Ashkenazy on the mystery of making music

Vladimir Ashkenazy talks shop with DW but admits that some aspects of music making are beyond explanation. (18.05.2012)

'Young and Wild' - violinist Ray Chen

Ray Chen, already a renowned violinist at just 23, wants to convince young people that classical music is cool. Part of the "Junge Wilde" program at Konzerthaus Dortmund, he goes to schools to talk to youth. (04.05.2012)

A melding of cultures: Conductor Marin Alsop in Brazil

Marin Alsop became Principal Conductor of the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra this month. Her premiere concert comprising works of three centuries is just one sample of the repertoire to mark her work with the orchestra. (21.03.2012)

Singer of the Year: Johannes Martin Kränzle

Often it's the volatile divas and heroic tenors with their High C's that grab the attention. But this time leading European opera critics recognized a down-to-earth baritone who gravitates towards anti-hero roles. (29.12.2011)

Nike Wagner on her great-great grandfather Liszt

Nike Wagner's family tree includes both Richard Wagner and Franz Liszt. The author and festival director talked with DW about the intriguing and at times paradoxical legacy of Franz Liszt. (20.10.2011)

A chat with star violinist Arabella Steinbacher

Leading German concert violinist Arabella Steinbacher has won top international awards for her moving performances. Deutsche Welle spoke with the star ahead of her concert with the National Youth Orchestra of Iraq. (30.09.2011)

Reich: Our music restored harmony and rhythm

Steve Reich has been called 'the greatest living composer.' The American musician performed two of his works at the 2011 Beethovenfest and talked with DW about how his compositions fit into the musical canon. (27.09.2011)

Goran Bregovic on the 'madness' of Balkan music

Goran Bregovic entertained the Beethovenfest crowd as head of his Balkan ensemble, the Wedding and Funeral Orchestra. Bregovic spoke with DW about what drives his music. (27.09.2011)

Beethoven lets us see into his soul, says John Eliot Gardiner

John Eliot Gardiner is an English conductor who has helped shape the direction of classical music performance for decades. He talked with DW about conducting four of Beethoven's symphonies at the 2011 Beethovenfest. (23.09.2011)

Keep your own sound, says Christian Thielemann

Music is like food and wine, says conductor Christian Thielemann - regional differences make it enjoyable. Currently busy at the Bayreuth and Salzburg Festivals, Thielemann is gearing up for his new position in Dresden. (04.08.2011)

Anne-Sophie Mutter reflects on a life in music

Anne-Sophie Mutter, one of the world's most celebrated violinists, is more than a virtuoso in a satin gown. She has used her prominence in the music world to champion unusual repertoire and support young string players. (03.08.2011)

Conducting is addictive, says Daniel Harding

It's with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra that the conductor says he can truly be himself. The professional touring orchestra has set up shop in North Rhine-Westphalia. (25.05.2011)

Ingo Metzmacher brings Nietzsche to the stage

From conducting a Nietzschean opera at the Salzburg Festival to hosting concerts in Berlin in jeans, Ingo Metzmacher is known for innovative projects. He talked with DW about what inspires his work. (18.10.2010)

Paavo Jarvi on changing old habits in concerts

Paavo Jarvi, conductor of the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie, says tradition and logic are crucial to interpreting a piece of music. His ensemble is orchestra-in-residence at this year's Beethovenfest Bonn. (09.10.2010)

Peter Ruzicka and the boundaries of consciousness

Poetry becomes music in acclaimed composer Peter Ruzicka's work, but is new music too obscure for most listeners? Ruzicka talked with DW about his influences and making contemporary compositions accessible. (04.10.2010)

A piano is like a lion in the savannah, says pianist Helene Grimaud

Helene Grimaud's outstanding musicianship has won her much press, as has her spirited, independent mindset. She talked with DW about being a female performer, raising wolves and the occasional loneliness of her career. (22.09.2010)

Composer and activist Abreu brings music to Venezuelan kids

Jose Antonio Abreu embodies "utopia and freedom in music," said the Director of Beethovenfest Bonn. The celebrated activist talked with DW about his goals and successes with the youth orchestras he founded in Venezuela. (16.09.2010)

Wagner's 'Ring' is about the meaning of love, says tenor Lance Ryan

Young tenor Lance Ryan gave his first performance at the Bayreuth Festival this year as Siegfried. He shared his thoughts with Deutsche Welle on the character of Siegfried and performing at the celebrated festival. (28.08.2010)

'Wagner opened my eyes for other composers,' says Andris Nelsons

Conductor Andris Nelsons has been fascinated by German composer Richard Wagner since he was five years old. This year, he took the podium as conductor of Wagner's opera "Lohengrin" at the Bayreuth Festival. (25.08.2010)

Soprano Brueggergosman's 'long, languid' album is an ode to night

Soprano Measha Brueggergosman just released her second album on Deutsche Grammophon. It pays tribute to night time, with European works in five languages. (09.03.2010)