Get to know Michelle Cann
What are you most looking forward to about performing with the Philharmonia in Leicester and London? We’re so excited to be a part of your Royal Festival Hall debut!
I’m really looking forward to the excitement of it all. There are many firsts for me with these concerts; this is my first time performing the concerto with an orchestra in London and to do it with the Philharmonia is such an honor because they are such amazing musicians. Another first is having the honour of working with Ryan Bancroft. His reputation precedes him, and I’ve never had the chance to collaborate with him. I’m very excited to enjoy all these firsts very soon.
What is your process like when working with a new conductor?
I try to always be very open-minded. This can be interesting when it relates to a concerto that I’ve played many times, and I have strong opinions about how it should sound. Especially in these circumstances that I must have an open mind so that we can make this moment together special and different from every other moment that this concerto’s been played by pianists and orchestras everywhere.
In the case of Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto, this is a newer concerto for me, so I am not yet set in my ways. That’s even more exciting for me because I really look forward to seeing what Ryan and the orchestra brings. Many of Beethoven’s concertos have been played so many times. Everyone probably has their favorite interpretation already. So, my goal is not compete with someone’s idea of their favorite interpretation because I would never get anywhere with that.
My goal is to bring something new, something special. Something that only Michelle Cann, Ryan Bancroft and the Philharmonia altogether can bring to this performance.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you have received?
When it comes time to perform, you have to let all the negative self-talk and doubts disappear. You have to get to this zone where you can live in that moment and are able to just focus on what’s happening in that moment. Enjoy that energy that comes with living in the moment.
Outside ‘classical’ music, what else do you enjoy playing or listening to?
I really love jazz. Right now, I’m listening to newer artists like Samara Joy and Natalie Colen. I grew up listening to gospel, so contemporary Christian music is also a part of my life. Otherwise, I’m one of those people that really loves the holiday season. Starting on 1 December and going a little bit farther into January than I should, I’ll be listening to Christmas music.
Which other concert coming up in the Philharmonia’s London season would you most like to come to, and why?
I’m being biased as a pianist to pick this one, but the final concert of your season is just one I would love to see. All these pieces are heavy hitters and you’re really ending with a bang anytime you play Rachmaninov in Third Piano Concerto. And then these two pieces by Ravel, which are fantastic. Ravel also wrote La Valse for piano solo and two pianos but nothing can touch the orchestral version which can bring so many colours with different interpretations.
