Isata Kanneh-Mason looks back on her past performance of Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with us.
We performed the Mendelssohn two years ago with you at Cadogan Hall. How does it feel to be playing this piece together again?
It’s really lovely to perform this piece with the same group of people. I feel I have developed as a musician over the last two years so it will be nice to be able to bring something different to the performance.
It’s so dramatic and exciting and I like the way the piano states its presence.
Can you tell us about your favourite moment in the Mendelssohn Piano Concerto?
It’s the opening. It’s so dramatic and exciting and I like the way the piano states its presence. I also have another favourite moment in the second movement where the piano is playing slow chords and there is a solo cello line – the harmonies there are so incredibly beautiful.
Do you have a pre-concert ritual, and if so, what is it?
I try not to stick to a specific pre-concert ritual in case I don’t have time. I always make sure I stretch, warm up my fingers and drink water. I don’t tend to eat too much before going on stage as I don’t want to feel full. And I also put away my phone quite a while before a performance as well, so there are no distractions!
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