An interview with Ana Mancheva, a laureate of the music school “Pianoforte”
“Pianoforte” is known to the Macedonian public by the success of its students. That is a direct result of the permanent tracking and application of the international trends in terms of the spacious, staff and program parameters in music education for twenty whole years.
We spoke to Ana Mancheva, a young pianist, who plays piano since she was five. She was the youngest piano student when she enrolled in “Pianoforte”, but carried enormous vigour to play the instrument. Her studies were easy and she quickly excelled. Soon, she was competing and bringing in awards for her performances.
She stands out among the students in “Pianoforte” by the number of high awards in international competitions during a single semester.
- High first place at “Pianofest”2020, Bitola (with the highest result among the Macedonian competitors);
- Second award at the international competition in Spain “Franz Liszt Center Piano Competition” 2021;
- Third place at the competition in Malaysia, Persatuan Chopin Malaysia- Chopin Society 2020.
- You have many awards under your belt, as well as numerous concert performances. What makes you happier: concerts or competitions?
The most important thing for me is to play, regardless if it is at a competition or at a concert. The audience’s applause is what makes me the happiest. When I hear that I feel joyful and fulfilled.
- When did you fall in love with music?
I loved to sing and dance as a child. I grew up with the songs from children’s music festivals. Then, when I was four, my father gifted me a “synthesizer” toy which I played for days on end. Since then I knew I wanted to be a pianist.
- How do you feel after winning all these awards?
I cherish each award equally. After every successful competition, I get an even bigger wish to play and learn new and more complicated compositions.
- Does practising bring you joy?
Yes, quite a lot. I practise for a few hours every day- no exceptions. However, when you do something out of love, there is nothing difficult about it.
- What comes to mind first when you see your piano?
The piano is a part of me. When I see it, I simply sit down, play and enjoy the notes.
- Does your family enjoy listening to you practise?
My family are my most loyal fans and my biggest support. They are always with me both when I practise and when I perform. I am very grateful to them for enabling me to fulfil my biggest wish- to play piano.
- What are your plans for the future?
My plans are to perfect myself as a pianist. One day I would like to do that professionally and play at the most renowned world stages. However, I would first like the pandemic to be over, so that I can play in front of full music halls and hear the audience’s applause.