We asked Alexandra Dariescu about her upcoming show with the West of England Youth Orchestra (WEYO) and found out all about her background and inspirations, what music to expect and her dream duet...
Hello everyone! I’m so excited to be coming to the Wiltshire Music Centre to perform with the incredible West of England Youth Orchestra and Tim Redmond as part of Concerto!. This unique project takes us on a journey through the evolution of the piano concerto, exploring how composers like Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Clara Schumann, Grieg, Rachmaninov, Doreen Carwithen shaped this incredible form.
What makes this concert special is that we’re not just playing music—we’re discovering how these masterpieces connect across time, how they shaped the world of music, and where we are today. I can’t wait to bring this to life with such talented young musicians and share it with you all. See you there!
What inspired you to take part in Concerto! – what do you hope it will achieve?
I love the concept of Concerto!—it’s about more than just performing a single work; it’s about storytelling, about uncovering the journey of the piano concerto through different eras. Every composer brought something new to the genre, from Bach’s baroque elegance to Rachmaninov’s sweeping romanticism and Doreen Carwithen’s powerful voice.
I hope this concert will open doors for audiences and young musicians alike, showing them not just how these pieces were written but why they matter today. Music is a living, breathing art form, and I want everyone who comes to this concert to feel inspired by its evolution and excited about where it can go next.
What can audiences expect from the concert?
This will be a concert like no other—a musical time machine that takes you from the early keyboard concertos of Bach to the rich, expressive worlds of Mozart, Beethoven, Clara Schumann, and beyond. We’re performing fragments of different works, so you’ll hear how styles, ideas, and emotions have changed over the centuries.
But what really makes this concert special is the passion of the young musicians on stage. There’s something incredibly powerful about hearing them bring these works to life. Expect energy, storytelling, and music that will move you, challenge you, and stay with you long after the final note.
If you could duet with anyone in the world, living or dead, who would that be and why?
There are so many musicians I admire, but if I had to choose, I would love to have played with Clara Schumann. She wasn’t just an extraordinary pianist—she was a trailblazer, a composer, and a champion of great music. She broke barriers at a time when the world wasn’t ready for female composers, and yet her music is so full of depth, passion, and brilliance.
Sitting at the piano with her, sharing ideas, hearing her interpretation of her own works—that would have been an unforgettable experience. And in a way, through concerts like this, we get to keep her legacy alive.
What are you most looking forward to about working with WEYO?
There’s something truly magical about making music with young musicians. They bring so much energy, curiosity, and fearlessness to what they do. I’m excited to explore this music with them, to see their interpretations, and to share this journey of discovery.
More than anything, I hope this concert gives them the confidence to believe in their own voices. Music is about connection—between past and present, between soloist and orchestra, and between performer and audience. I can’t wait to experience that connection with WEYO on stage.
How did your musical career start?
My journey began in Romania, where I fell in love with the piano as a child. I was lucky to have incredible teachers who encouraged me, and from there, my passion only grew. I studied in the UK, learned from inspiring mentors, and had the privilege of performing all over the world.
But music isn’t just about where you start—it’s about how you grow. Every concert, every collaboration, every challenge teaches you something new. That’s what makes this career so exciting—you’re always learning, always discovering, always reaching for something greater.
What’s your advice for young people wanting to learn an instrument?
First and foremost—enjoy the process! Learning an instrument takes patience, dedication, and perseverance, but if you love what you do, every challenge becomes an opportunity. Stay curious, explore different styles of music, and don’t be afraid to express yourself.
Music isn’t just about playing the right notes; it’s about telling a story, about bringing your own personality into what you play. And remember, every great musician started exactly where you are now—full of dreams, full of questions, and full of potential. Believe in yourself, never give up and let music take you on an incredible journey!
