Petra Sittig Photography - Vienna, Austria
Petra Sittig Photography - Photoshoots for Artists and Professionals
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The artist's voice -Podcast

The Artist's voice is a platform for artists to talk about and showcase their form of art. Inviting all artists to express their love for what they do and use this platform to give an insight into their world. All dancers, choreographers, teachers, musicians, singers, composers, creators of art; this is the place to show and tell.

The Artist’s voice

Inspired during the initial COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, my project was sparked by witnessing the struggles of my children, ballet dancers at the Vienna State Opera, unable to practice their craft due to isolation. Initially a small photography endeavor, capturing artists at their windows, it swiftly transformed into a symbol of solidarity for the arts community.

The repercussions of this pandemic will echo throughout the artistic and cultural sectors for years to come. Thus, I felt compelled to shed light on the plight of creative individuals and organizations, advocating for their recognition and support. Through this project, I aimed to amplify artists' voices, offering a platform for their stories and perspectives. If they can't grace the stage, they should still be seen and heard.

Vienna, a bastion of culture, served as a fitting backdrop for my efforts, with its rich artistic heritage and diverse community. I've photographed over 500 artists, including musicians, dancers, and opera stars, alongside ambassadors from various nations, all standing in solidarity with Vienna's artistic community.

The arts, often overlooked, are integral to society's fabric, shaping our collective identity and enriching our lives. They transcend language and borders, offering solace and inspiration in times of turmoil. By spotlighting Vienna's cultural legacy, I hope to instill a greater appreciation for the arts worldwide. Moreover, I've witnessed firsthand the resilience of artists in the face of adversity. Despite canceled performances and financial hardships, their unwavering passion for their craft fuels a newfound creativity. Their optimism is palpable, radiating hope through every photograph.

Through this project, I aim to educate future generations on the importance of the arts, advocating for its integration into education systems worldwide. By nurturing creativity and fostering appreciation for the arts, we can build a more empathetic and harmonious society.Ultimately, my goal is to spark dialogue and action, ensuring that the arts and artists are valued and supported in our modern world. Through interviews with artists globally, I seek to understand their experiences and explore solutions for securing the future of the arts.

In essence, this project is a testament to the resilience and vitality of the human spirit, as embodied by artists around the world. Their stories remind us of the transformative power of art and the boundless possibilities it offers for a brighter future."

 

Restoring More Than Sound: Alexander Piper on the Art of Historical Pianos

In this insightful online interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with Alexander Piper — an accomplished pianist and piano restorer whose life bridges performance and craftsmanship. Our conversation delves into his unique journey, the soul of historical instruments, and the fine balance between preserving the past and making it playable for the present.

Alexander’s fascination with piano restoration was sparked by a love of hands-on craft. After an initial internship, he reached out to Das Klavier-Atelier in Vienna, where he went on to work for over a year. There, he encountered the richly nuanced world of late-Romantic Viennese instruments — their distinct tonal colors leaving a lasting impression on his approach to both playing and restoration.

In 2021, he began working in the renowned workshop of Robert Brown and Michael Kirchweger in Oberndorf near Salzburg. It was here that he discovered the world of early fortepianos: their restoration, their unique sound worlds, and the intricate art of recreating selected historical models from scratch.

By January 2022, Alexander had opened his own workshop in Vienna’s 18th district. More than just a place of repair, his workshop is dedicated to reviving public understanding and appreciation of these beautiful instruments. For Alexander, they are not only masterful pieces of craftsmanship — they are living echoes of a city’s cultural heritage and a vanished musical era.

His restoration philosophy is deeply rooted in historical authenticity. Great care is taken to preserve the original material wherever possible — especially in the sound-critical elements such as the soundboard and hammer heads, but also in the structural and visual aspects of the instrument. The goal is to present a historically faithful instrument: one that proudly shows its age, yet remains in perfectly playable condition.

Whether you're a musician, a piano enthusiast, or someone intrigued by the hidden histories of objects, this interview offers a rare and thoughtful window into a world where music, memory, and meticulous craft meet.

https://www.piperspianos.com/

The artist's voicePetra SittigAlexander Piper, Historical Pianos, piano restoring