Get to know Arabella Steinbacher

You have performed with the Philharmonia Orchestra many times before. What is your relationship like with the orchestra?  

From the very first time I played with the Philharmonia, I was captivated by the experience of making music with these incredible musicians. Over the past 17 years, I have been extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with legendary conductors such as Masur, Maazel, and Dohnányi – an invaluable experience I will always cherish – and I am looking forward to further build on this relationship with conductors of the next generation, such as Santtu-Matias Rouvali, whom I have collaborated with on multiple occasions in the past.

The Philharmonia’s unique sound, consistently at the highest level, combined with the warm and positive atmosphere among the musicians, makes every return an absolute joy.

What is your favourite thing about Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto – is there a particularly interesting or exciting part to look out for? 

I would say the first movement is my favourite, starting with this beautiful melody that weaves through it. It carries a deep sense of longing and passion, which makes it especially moving. The music then flows seamlessly into the second movement – a gorgeous cantilena – before leading into the lively, sparkling third movement, which is always a joy to play.

What is the biggest challenge for you in this piece? 

Perhaps the biggest challenge is that I’ve been playing this concerto since I was ten years old. After so many years, staying fresh and excited can sometimes be a challenge. However, I make a conscious effort to focus on different aspects of the piece each time I prepare it while always keeping the overall musical flow in mind.

In performance, though, it’s always a new experience. The energy of the audience, the moment, and the ever-evolving nature of music ensure that no two performances are ever the same.

Do you have any pre-concert rituals or habits? 

Before every concert, I stick to my ritual of meditating. It helps calm my mind and allows me to fully connect with the music.

What are you listening to right now?

Most of the time, I am listening to children’s songs – thanks to my 5-year-old daughter!

Which other concert coming up in the Philharmonia’s London season would you most like to come to, and why? 

There are so many wonderful programmes in the season, and I wish I could see them all! However, if I had to pick one, I would be especially curious about the Shostakovich/Bernstein night, as it’s such a special programme. Aside from that, I have a deep love for choral music.

The Philharmonia’s unique sound, consistently at the highest level, combined with the warm and positive atmosphere among the musicians, makes every return an absolute joy.