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."

 

Alon Sariel Interview | The Mandolin, Bach and Musical Expression

When I first heard a recording of composer Nimrod Borenstein's Mandolin Concerto, I was captivated by the sound of an instrument I had always associated with fairytales and enchanting landscapes. Curious to discover the true voice of the mandolin, I invited Israeli-born, Vienna-based mandolinist, lutenist and conductor Alon Sariel to join me for a conversation about his remarkable musical journey.

Widely regarded as one of today's most versatile plucked-string performers, Alon Sariel has earned international acclaim through his contagious musicianship, flawless technique and exceptional artistry. As a multi-instrumentalist and celebrated interpreter of Johann Sebastian Bach, he continues to inspire audiences while exploring a repertoire that stretches from early music to contemporary works, often shining a light on lesser-known composers alongside musical giants such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Widely regarded as one of today's most versatile plucked-string performers, Alon Sariel has earned international acclaim through his contagious musicianship, flawless technique and exceptional artistry. As a multi-instrumentalist and celebrated interpreter of Johann Sebastian Bach, he continues to inspire audiences while exploring a repertoire that stretches from early music to contemporary works, often shining a light on lesser-known composers alongside musical giants such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

In this interview, Alon shares how he first discovered the mandolin as a young boy and why the instrument became his lifelong passion. He also reflects on an unusual aspect of his musical education: although he studied the mandolin, his professor was actually a violinist. Rather than focusing solely on technical perfection, this experience taught him one of the most valuable lessons of his career—that music is never simply about playing the right notes, but about interpretation, expression and communicating emotion.

We also explore the unique character of the mandolin, its rich history and remarkable versatility, revealing an instrument that extends far beyond its romantic stereotypes. 

His recently published final instalment of the acclaimed Plucked Bach trilogy was selected as an Editor's Choice by Gramophone and has received numerous international distinctions, further establishing him as one of the leading voices for plucked-string instruments today.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about curiosity, musical storytelling and the expressive power of the mandolin—a fascinating journey with one of the most innovative musicians of his generation.


https://www.alon-sariel.com


The Inspiration by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon

Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ 


Alon Sariel Interview | The Mandolin, Bach and Musical Expression
Petra Sittig/Alon Sariel
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The artist's voicePetra SittigMandolin, Alon Sariel, Bach, Interview