Below, you can read our interview with Rasa Vitkauskaite and listen to A Concert Piano Christmas at Boston Symphony Hall. Check out our full music review of A Concert Piano Christmas at Boston Symphony Hall here.
Q: Great to be speaking with you, Rasa! You’ve told us you’re from Lithuania, but you have both taught and toured all over the world. Have your widespread travels influenced your performance and artistic development?
A: Absolutely! Living and studying in three countries—Lithuania, Italy, and the United States—has been a profound influence on my musical development. Each country has its own unique pedagogical approach and cultural traditions, which have shaped my understanding of the piano and its repertoire. I’ve been fortunate to experience different schools of playing, which have enriched my interpretations and allowed me to connect with audiences on a deeper level. Additionally, having performed in over 30 countries, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with a multitude of outstanding musicians. These experiences have broadened my musical horizons and exposed me to different perspectives.
Q: Your musical resume is remarkable and highlights a vast number of achievements and awards; do you have a personal favorite moment in your career so far?
A: It’s difficult to choose just one, as my career has been filled with many wonderful experiences. But if I had to pick, I’d say recording A Concert Piano Christmas at Boston Symphony Hall was a truly unforgettable moment. It’s a venue that holds immense significance in the classical music world, and being on that stage was a dream come true. It’s a memory I’ll cherish forever.
Q: How was the idea for “A Concert Piano Christmas at Boston Symphony Hall” conceived? How did you decide which pieces to include?
A: The idea for A Concert Piano Christmas at Boston Symphony Hall stemmed from a desire to create a truly exceptional and memorable holiday recording. I wanted to present a program that would be worthy of the iconic Boston Symphony Hall stage, showcasing the piano’s full potential in a festive context.
While there are numerous Christmas tunes arranged for piano, many of them fall short of highlighting the instrument’s unique capabilities. I was determined to find pieces that would truly showcase the virtuosity and versatility of the concert piano. Through diligent research, I was fortunate to discover some remarkable arrangements, such as Andrew Gentile’s Sleigh Ride, which perfectly capture the spirit of the season while demanding exceptional technical skill and musicality.
Q: The Associated Press reported on the album, calling it “A Salute to Freedom”. Could you elaborate on the inspiration for the album?
A: This album is a deeply personal tribute to my family, who endured a long and painful history of Soviet persecution. My mother was born in exile in Siberia, a descendant of political deportees. My father, meanwhile, bravely participated in the unarmed human shield that defended Lithuania from the attempted Russian takeover in 1990, shortly after the country declared independence.
The album is a celebration of hope and freedom, a testament to the resilience of my family and the countless others who suffered under Soviet rule. During the occupation, celebrating Christmas openly would have been a dangerous act, a stark reminder of the oppression we endured. Through this album, I aim to honor my family’s legacy and share their story with the world, inspiring others to cherish the freedoms we often take for granted.
Q: What would you like fans to know about the album production that they’re most likely unaware of?
A: It takes a team of brilliant minds to bring an album to life, and I’m incredibly grateful for the individuals who contributed to this project.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to Daniel Faneuf, the executive producer and album concept author, for his invaluable guidance and vision throughout this project. Brad Michel, a four-time Grammy-winning engineer, who was instrumental in harnessing the unique acoustics of Symphony Hall, capturing the grandeur and intimacy of the space. Jonathan Cohler, a producer extraordinaire, who played a crucial role in overseeing every aspect of the album-making process. And of course, I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family, who endured countless hours of practice time and offered their love and encouragement throughout the process.
Q: Are there any new projects or exciting collaborations on the horizon?
A: One of my most anticipated endeavors is a recording project with the renowned violinist and Cleveland Institute of Music professor Ilya Kaler, who is the only violinist in history to win three gold medals at the world’s most prestigious violin competitions, the Tchaikovsky, Sibelius and Paganini. We will be recording the complete Beethoven violin sonatas, a monumental undertaking that I’ve been looking forward to for some time. Ilya is an extraordinary musician and a dear friend, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with him on such a significant project.
Later this season, I will also be performing with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, of which I’ve been the principal pianist for the past 15 years. It’s always a pleasure to work with this exceptional orchestra, and I am looking forward to exploring more music with them.