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."

 

Five Concertos, One Night – Miruna Maciuca on an Extraordinary Musical Milestone

In this heartfelt conversation, I speak with Romanian pianist Miruna Maciuca from Bucharest about her lifelong relationship with the piano, which began at a very young age. She reflects on the importance of her early teacher, who helped her recognise and develop her individual strengths, and on her studies in Venice, where her artistic path continued to unfold. I am deeply grateful to her piano professor, Igor Cognolato, who introduced Miruna to me and whose guidance and support have been instrumental in her artistic development.

Miruna speaks with remarkable maturity and clarity about her journey as a musician, particularly about one of her greatest achievements to date: a monumental concert project realised in November. After a year of intense preparation, countless rehearsals, 330 pages of memorised music and nearly three hours of performance, Miruna brought to life a dream inspired by history—almost 100 years after Jeanne-Marie Darré performed all five Saint-Saëns piano concertos in a single evening. Supported by friends, loved ones, mentors and an outstanding musical team, this project became, in her words, “the most beautiful night of my life and the most important project I have done so far.”

She shares profound gratitude for everyone involved in this unique cultural and emotional journey and reflects on the spiritual dimension of music-making:

“That’s what music makes of us; it reminds us that we’re alive, not just existing.”

For Miruna, music is deeply connected to belief, divinity, and the idea of something greater than ourselves—and to the responsibility of offering something meaningful and new to the audience.

We also speak about her love of communicating directly with listeners. Miruna believes that musicians who have had the privilege of studying music carry a responsibility to share knowledge and context, helping audiences connect more deeply with what they hear. For her, it is never about applause, but about the possibility of truly touching people through music. She values curiosity beyond music as well, believing that learning about the world shapes and enriches an artist’s voice.

This was a truly moving and inspiring conversation. I deeply admire Miruna’s understanding of music’s power, her respect for the audience, and her awareness of her role as a musician—to serve the music, to share beauty, and to create meaningful connection.



Interview with Igor Cognalato

https://youtu.be/VtIZdSAteGw



The artist's voicePetra Sittigconcert pianist, Miruna Maciuca