Basia Shulman: “Do What You Must, and Come What May!”

An Inspiring Chat with Renowned Russian Pianist Basia Shulman

Just hours before the premiere of Roman Viktyuk’s music-drama performance “Tenderness” in Minsk, featuring Basia Shulman and actress Sati Spivakova, I had the privilege of meeting the celebrated Russian pianist. In the sanctity of her dressing room, we delved into a captivating conversation about dreams, reality, and the enchanting world of classical music.

The Birth of “Tenderness”

“Tenderness” has been successfully running in Russia for several years. When asked if the idea for the performance was hers, Basia clarified, “The concept for the performance format was mine. As a musician, I’m constantly exploring innovative ways to evolve my craft and engage audiences. I wanted to bring something fresh to the art scene.”

Before “Tenderness,” Basia had already created several concert programs combining music with narratives from composers’ letters and diaries. These concerts were well-received, inspiring her to collaborate with Sati Spivakova on a project merging theater and music. “Sati is a talented actress, and I wanted to create something more substantial than just reciting poetry with piano accompaniment,” Basia explained.

Initially, they didn’t have a specific piece in mind. However, Sati recalled preparing a text from Henri Barbusse’s “Tenderness” for her GITIS entrance exam. She suggested the text to Roman Viktyuk, who immediately envisioned it on stage. Rehearsals began in September, and the premiere took place in October. “That’s how ‘Tenderness’ was born,” Basia smiled. They are now planning their next performance, based on Dina Rubina’s “High Water of the Venetians,” scheduled to premiere in October at the Moscow House of Music.

Exploring Minsk

This was Basia’s first visit to Minsk. “I was thrilled when I found out we’d be performing ‘Tenderness’ here. I miss the Soviet era, and I was curious to see how things have changed. I’ve heard that Belarus, and Minsk in particular, has preserved the best of those times. And it’s true. I’m not the first to say this, but Minsk’s cleanliness and architecture are truly impressive. It’s genuinely Soviet in its grandeur and elegance,” Basia shared.

Despite her busy schedule, Basia managed to visit some local attractions, including the National Art Museum, where she saw exhibitions of Goya and Picasso engravings. “I love art, so whenever I can, I visit local art museums or exhibitions. I didn’t have much time, but I had a wonderful guide, and I was deeply impressed,” she said.

Educational Musical Programs

In addition to her concert activities, Basia produces various musical projects, including educational programs for children. “I’ve been producing musical projects for many years, but I’ve always wanted to do more than just entertain. I focus on the educational aspect, aiming to enlighten,” she explained.

Basia has developed a series of programs introducing children to classical music in engaging ways. One program combined circus performances with classical music, while another, titled “What the Keys Sing About,” explored keyboard instruments. “Education should be fun! We showed children how instruments like the organ, harpsichord, piano, and synthesizer work. Children were fascinated, asking questions and trying to understand how sounds are produced,” Basia recalled.

Cultivating a Love for Classical Music

Basia believes that parents play a crucial role in fostering a love for music and art in their children. “Parents should introduce their children to art daily. Schools and kindergartens can’t bear this responsibility alone,” she asserted.

She advised parents to start with simple, child-friendly performances rather than complex concert programs. “Look for interesting events, attend children’s musical performances, and prioritize interactive experiences. Children learn best through engagement and play,” Basia suggested.

She also encouraged parents to enhance their own knowledge. “You don’t need a professional education in art, but reading up on a topic can be helpful. I do this myself. Before explaining something to children, I read up on it. Thanks to the internet, finding information is easier than ever,” she added.

Basia’s Son and Music

Basia’s 17-year-old son shares her love for music. “I’m proud to say that I’ve instilled in him a great musical taste. We don’t listen to Russian pop music, not because it’s forbidden, but because it’s simply not interesting to us,” Basia said.

Although her son isn’t a musician, he’s finding his own path. “He’s about to receive his first adult ranking in table tennis and is applying to the Higher School of Economics. If he ever wants to learn an instrument, I’m sure he’ll achieve it,” Basia shared.

Improvisation and Interpretation

Basia loves improvisation and unconventional interpretations of classical pieces. When asked about her boldest interpretation, she laughed, “My ability to improvise is a mistake created by…” (The article ends here, leaving us curious about the rest of Basia’s story.)