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."

 

Manuel Ortiz Babiloni: Shaping Silence into Sound

What does it mean to be a pianist, and what is the responsibility of a musician towards an audience? These are some of the questions I explored in my conversation with Manuel Ortiz Babiloni, a young Spanish pianist currently studying at the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna (MUK).



Born in Castellón, Spain, Manuel grew up in an artistic family. His mother, Elvira Babiloni, is a concert pianist and teacher, his father is a painter, and his sister is a dancer. Music was part of his life from the beginning, and it was his mother who guided him on his journey to becoming a pianist. Manuel speaks openly about what it was like to be taught by his own mother, right up to conservatoire level. She was strict, but he understands today that her high expectations came from knowing what was needed to develop as a musician. Her advice continues to guide him.



We also talk about ATELIER, his latest recording, which he made together with his mother and pianist Francisco Escoda, and his experience of working with living composers. For Manuel, performing their music offers a special opportunity to understand the intentions behind a work and to discover the thoughts and ideas that shaped it.



One of the things that stayed with me from our conversation was Manuel's understanding of the relationship between a musician and an audience. Whether playing for a friend or performing in a concert hall, he believes that the most important thing is to create a connection and bring the music to the listener. Music is fleeting. Unlike a book, whose words remain on the page, music has to be created again and again, through sound, in every performance. As Manuel beautifully puts it, it is about “shaping silence into sound.”



Looking towards the future, Manuel is also considering studying conducting. He sees it as a way to deepen his understanding of music, explore works from a different perspective, and discover how to shape sound on a larger scale through an orchestra, bringing together many individual musicians to create a shared musical experience.



It was a pleasure talking to this thoughtful young musician. What impressed me most was his understanding that being an artist is about more than mastering an instrument. It is also about communicating, listening, and taking responsibility for the experience we create for others.



Because, in the end, music only truly comes alive when it reaches someone.



The Artist’s Voice – Every artist has a story worth hearing.



If you've enjoyed The Artist's Voice, you're invited to support the project through https://buymeacoffee.com/petrasittig

Every coffee helps keep meaningful conversations with artists brewing.

Thanks for listening, watching, and cheering on the arts! 



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/ 



Manuel Ortiz Babiloni: Shaping Silence into Sound



The artist's voicePetra SittigManuel Ortiz Babiloni, Pianist, MUK