Roman Kuperschmidt

Clarinettist Roman Kuper-schmidt will be performing at the Manoel Theatre together with the Gershwin Quartet with a highly eclectic programme that includes both iconic classics from the great composers and modern pieces from more contemporary names.

Included on the list of com-posers are Mozart, von Weber, Fritzkreislert, Dinicu, Brahms, Khatchaturyan, Tzintzadze, Piazzola and Goldberg.

The Gershwin Quartet has been performing as an ensemble since 1990. Their repertoire is not restricted to a specific style, epoch or composer and the ensemble is known for performing established classics, as well as modern, jazz and Latin American genres.

The ensemble consists of representatives of the Russian instrumental school and prize-winners of various international music competitions.

I caught up with Kuperschmidt ahead of his first performance.

Why did you choose to become a musician?

I chose music simply because it is the greatest profession in the world.

Do you feel more at home with classical music or with traditional/folk?

I feel at home with good music. You find folk melodies in a lot of classical pieces and traditional music has of course many rules and elements of classical music such as in harmony and melody.

Any memorable performance memories, good or bad?

I have only one small project: to make people happy with my music. This project is not downloadable

I don`t really remember any bad performances, but a couple of weeks ago on a tour with the Gershwin Quartet in South Korea there was a sad one. We gave a benefit concert in the school attended by more than 200 children who died in the recent ship accident. This was very touching. As for the best one, I’m hoping it will be the concert in Malta next week.

Are there any pieces you still haven’t tackled yet but really want to?

Yes. I want to play the real traditional music of Malta.

Is this your first time in Malta? What are your expectations?

Yes, it will be my first time in Malta and I heard that this is one of the most beautiful places in Europe.

Have you worked with the Gershwin Quartet before? How did this collaboration come about?

Yes, of course. They are my favourite ensemble and I really enjoy playing with them. They are excellent musicians and wonderful persons.

The programme is varied from Mozart to traditional Korean music. How does it all fit in?

Very simple: it’s all very good music.

What can you tell us about the five pieces by Piazzolla which are in the programme?

Unfortunately, due to time restrictions we cannot play more than five, but all the music by Piazzolla is great and every person can connect to his music.

If you weren’t a musician, what would you be? And if not a clarinetist, which other instrument?

I can’t imagine my life without music and without my clarinet.

Music is now easily downloadable. Do you see a future for the world of live music?

I think thanks to the Internet music has become more popular and people, especially young ones, will visit concerts more frequently.

What are your future projects?

I have only one small project: to make people happy with my music. That project is not downloadable!

The Gershwin Quartet will be performing with Roman Kuper-schmidt on Wednesday at 8pm at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta.

www.teatrumanoel.com.mt