Meet Sophia Agranovich

 

We were lucky to catch up with Sophia Agranovich recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sophia , appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

Inspiration comes from a multitude of sources, each offering its own unique spark to ignite imagination and ingenuity. For me the main source is LIFE itself, including its challenges, trials and tribulations. “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger”, wiser, more kind and sensitive.

Music possesses the most powerful means for expressing emotions, reflecting on life experiences, balancing and healing mind, body and soul. Music is the most abstract of arts and speaks directly to the heart. As Beethoven said: “Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy; music is the electrical soil in which the spirit lives, thinks and invents.”
Drawing from my own feelings and life observations allows me to infuse my performances with authenticity and depth.
Here are other sources that are essential for my creativeness.

1. Nature: The beauty and wonder of the natural world often find their way into my music. Whether it’s the gentle sway of leaves in the wind or the powerful crash of ocean waves, breathtaking landscape, or limitless starry sky, nature’s rhythms and melodies connect all of us to the source of life and are deeply inspiring!

2. Art and literature: Exploring other art forms such as literature, painting, sculpture, dance and theater can provide rich sources of inspiration. I was lucky to be exposed to all of the above early in life. The evocative imagery and storytelling found in these mediums often fuel my imagination and inform my interpretations. Music repertoire I am learning and performing is rich with references to art and literature, for example “Dante” Sonata by Liszt, “Papillons” by Schumann, “Pictures at the Exhibition” by Mussorgsky, and many more…

3. Masterpieces of the past: The works of great composers like Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy and countless others are timeless sources of inspiration. Their genius works continually challenge me and open my mind to new possibilities in interpretation. In my performances I remain true to the source and style of the compositions, but completely get swept by my own thoughts and feelings, which help me to be fresh, unique, and sincere and profoundly connect with the audience.

4. Collaboration: Working with other musicians, artists, and creatives is incredibly inspiring. The exchange of ideas and the synergy that arises from working together often leads to innovative and exciting projects.

For example, my collaboration with award-winning scientist, musician and producer Rupam Sarmah, singer Tamra Garrett and international group of musicians, led to “Peace and Joy” – a unique improvisation and arrangement of timeless classics by Mozart and Mendelssohn that transcend boundaries between Classical, Romantic, Folk, Pop, World, and New Age styles, blending East and West music traditions.
Here is an excerpt from one of the reviews;
“In the twenty-five or so years that I’ve been reviewing music, I’ve heard a lot of eclectic and hard-to-categorize music, and I’ve seen a lot of music used to raise funds for some very worth-while projects, but “Peace and Joy (Mendelssohn/Mozart World)” just might top everything else in all of those aspects!” – MainlyPiano

My latest collaboration with Rupam Sarmah, Aronyo Choudhary (Indian Santoor), Subhas Bose (Sitar), Abhijit Ray (Sarod), Grammy® winners violinist Lili Haydn and Iranian santoorist Hamid Saeidi led to the “Love Serenade” project. It blends musical traditions between cultures and continents, boundary-free from any style.
From one of the reviews: “Sensually exotic, deeply meditational and subtly uplifting “Love Serenade” is a hypnotic multi-cultural expression of pure, unconditional Universal Love… One of the most compelling aspects of “Love’s Serenade” is the seductive night/day, darkness and light dance by the cello and violin – as if to illustrate the duality of love, the euphoria, harmony and potential for freedom it offers balanced by the challenging realities of the human condition.” –JW Vibe

Both projects won a number of international awards and were featured on classical NPR stations WMNR and WWFM, OneWorldMusic Radio, and in many other programs and interviews. Proceeds of both projects are supporting non-profit One Little Finger Global Foundation (that partners with many other charitable organizations) and children of the world.

5. Exploring new repertoire: Constantly discovering and learning new pieces keeps my mind engaged and inspires fresh interpretations.
For example, in 2017 I gave 2-hour solo recitals at the Pennautier Festival and Juan-les-Pins in France where I premiered Quatre préludes en hommage a Chopin, Op. 162 dedicated to me by the French composer Françoise Choveaux. Other premieres included Roger Stubblefield’s Sonata for clarinet and piano and Nocturne for viola and piano.

6. Improvisation: While classical music is often meticulously composed, exploring improvisation is liberating and creatively stimulating.

7. Personal growth: Continual growth as a musician and as a person is essential for staying inspired. Setting new challenges, learning new techniques, and expanding my musical horizons keep me motivated and energized.
Ultimately, inspiration can be found everywhere—in the world around us, in the depths of our emotions, and in the connections we forge with others. As a classical pianist, I am endlessly grateful for the abundance of inspiration that surrounds me, fueling my passion for music and driving me to create art that deeply resonates with others.

I aim not for the extraordinary, but simply to convey what I sense without hesitation. I surrender myself to serve as a conduit for the music. My endeavor is to evoke the energy, emotions, and thoughts of the composer, capturing the essence of the piece’s atmosphere. Remarkably, as I play, I undergo a transformation in my own demeanor, akin to a state of possession. I push myself to the brink, sometimes verging on an out-of-body sensation. Achieving this demands meticulous technical groundwork and profound analysis.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I was born in Ukraine, which was a republic of the Soviet Union at a time, in a quaintly beautiful city Chernivtsi, nicknamed ‘Paris and Vienna in miniature’.
My father was a dentist and loved music. My mother was an English teacher, translator, and an overall erudite. In addition to her native Russian and Ukrainian, she knew English, German, and French, wrote poetry in English and Russian, was a talented artist and a connoisseur of music, art and literature. She taught me how to read at three, and started taking me to concerts, opera, and ballet since I was four. She had a beautiful soprano voice, and often sang opera arias and popular songs at home. I loved classical literature, and later – science books. I also enjoyed drawing and painting, going to theatre, gymnastics, running, and swimming. In school I loved math, science and literature, but my dream was to be a ballet dancer.

We had a piano at home, which I was playing by ear. My mother taught me the basics until I started taking lessons with a professional music teacher at the age of five and entered Chernivtsi Music School. I was very fortunate to have outstanding teachers, Anna Stolyarevich and Alexander Edelmann, who were among the best in Ukraine. Both of them had studied with Heinrich Neuhaus in Moscow and were peers of Vladimir Horowitz at Kiev Conservatory in the class of Felix Blumenfeld. When I was ten, being the youngest participant, I won the First place in the Ukrainian Young Artists Competition, which is called now Mykola Lysenko International Competition. In the final round I performed Concerto in E minor by Chopin in Kiev. I also had played in a lot of recitals, which were broadcast nationwide, since I was six.
Studying music and piano came easily to me. For example, I was playing all of the Chopin Etudes by the age of twelve. But I was interested in many other subjects. My parents were very old-fashioned, and I was brought up with the idea that a woman should dedicate herself to her family and avoid professions with traveling. So, I didn’t plan to be a concert pianist.

At 15 I emigrated to United States with my family and entered the famed Juilliard School. I was accepted into class of legendary professor Sascha Gorodnitzki, Piano faculty chairman—an honor indeed, especially since he made a rare exception by taking me as a pre-college student.
I also studied there with the esteemed Nadia Reisenberg. I had earned a Bachelor and Master of Music Degrees at Juilliard on a full scholarship. While at Juilliard, I won Bergen Philharmonic Competition. After that, I was awarded a Fellowship and taught Piano there.

I continued studies towards a Doctorate at the Columbia University, but in order to raise a family, I received a Certificate in Computer Science and became a main bread-winner working 23 years in Computer Technology, the last 7 years of which as a VP/Project Manager.
The dynamics of marriage, parenthood, and tending to family members frequently prompt shifts in our focus. Balancing a thriving family life with the demands of a musical career presents a formidable challenge, particularly when extensive travel is part of the equation. Financial considerations further complicate matters. Seeking guidance, I turned to my mentors, Sascha Gorodnitzki and Nadia Reisenberg, both of whom offered identical counsel: “Commit to daily practice without fail, regardless of the circumstances, and maintain unwavering hope.”

To my surprise, I actually loved computer technology and was constantly exploring new languages and platforms. I even received a Presidential Quality Award for Computer Systems Design and Support at Met Life. As a manager at Merrill Lynch, I enjoyed working with people, but couldn’t deal well with office politics. What kept me sane and balanced was my practicing piano regularly, even if it was only as short as 20 minutes. Somehow I never lost hope that I’d come back full-time to music, although it seemed so unrealistic then. I also studied traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Indian medicine, and Naturopathy. I received certifications in various Holistic Healing disciplines, Life Coaching, as well as Yoga and Pilates, which I had taught for 2 years.

When my children were grown, I longed to go back to music full-time, but thought it to be an impractical dream. I decided to seriously study Naturopathic medicine, get a license and practice it. I love medicine and helping people. But my compassionate second cousin Leonid Levin, a brilliant mathematician and professor at Boston University among whos achievements is a discovery of Cook-Levin theorem, had recommended following my heart and resuming my musical career. I am immensely grateful for his advice!

Currently I am performing at renowned international venues and festivals, collaborating with acclaimed Emmy, Grammy, and Billboard-charting musicians, as well as esteemed members of major orchestras. I was honored to be included in the prestigious Steinway Artists roster. Alongside my performance endeavors, I serve as a voting member of NARAS, hold the role of Artistic Director for the “Classicals at the Circle” music series at the Watchung Arts Center, and contribute as a program chair and board member of the Music Educators Association of New Jersey.

Since 2010, I’ve produced 11 albums and 2 singles. My recordings enjoy airplay on major radio stations worldwide, and my performances and recordings have garnered top international awards. and a multitude of rave reviews in prestigious publications. Additionally, many of my students have achieved success in international competitions, secured performances in prestigious halls, and launched professional music careers. All the details are at my official website https://sophiagranovich.com.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Reflecting on my musical life, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as particularly impactful are as follows.

1. Dedication and Discipline: The journey of mastering the piano requires unwavering dedication and discipline. Consistent practice, even when progress feels slow or setbacks occur, is essential for growth and improvement. When I had to work in IT to support my family, I practiced every day, even if for a short time, no matter how tired I was. Often with closed eyes! Setting specific goals, establishing a practice routine, and staying committed to the process are crucial for success.

Advice: From my own experience, as well as teaching music for 40+ years, as well as being a manager in IT world:
• Cultivate a mindset of discipline and perseverance.
• Set realistic yet challenging goals, break them down into manageable steps, and commit to regular practice.
• Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and don’t forget to celebrate small victories along the way!

2. Musicality and Interpretation: Beyond technical proficiency, musicality and interpretation are paramount for bringing a piece of music to life. Understanding the composer’s intentions, exploring different stylistic nuances, and infusing your performance with emotion and expression are essential for creating a deeply resonant musical experience. We definitely need proficient technique to play, especially a challenging virtuosic repertoire. But without soul, feelings and projection of thoughts technique is an empty shell!

Advice: Focus not only on mastering the notes but also on understanding the underlying musical language and context. Study the scores thoroughly, listen to recordings by renowned artists, and experiment with various interpretations. Cultivate your own artistic voice while remaining open to feedback and guidance from mentors and peers.

3. Continuous Learning and Growth: The journey of a musician is one of lifelong learning and growth. Embracing a growth mindset, seeking out opportunities for further education and enrichment, and remaining curious and open-minded are essential for staying inspired and evolving as an artist.

Advice: Never stop learning and exploring. Attend masterclasses, workshops, and concerts to gain new insights and perspectives. Engage with a diverse range of repertoire and musical styles, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Cultivate a thirst for knowledge and a passion for excellence that propels you forward on your musical journey.

By embodying dedication and discipline, nurturing musicality and interpretation, and embracing continuous learning and growth, aspiring musicians can lay a solid foundation for success and fulfillment in their pursuits. Remember that the journey is as important as the destination, so savor every moment and embrace the joys and challenges along the way.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

Finding the balance between honing our strengths and addressing our weaknesses is a nuanced endeavor, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. However, I tend to lean towards the idea of investing effort in improving areas where one isn’t as strong, while still nurturing and refining existing strengths. Here’s why.

1. Holistic development: Investing in areas of weakness fosters holistic growth and versatility. While our strengths may define us, our ability to adapt and excel in diverse situations can open up new opportunities and enrich our lives in unexpected ways.

2. Resilience and adaptability: Life is unpredictable, and being well-rounded cultivates resilience and adaptability. Strengthening weaknesses equips us to navigate challenges with greater ease and confidence, enhancing our ability to thrive in an ever-changing world. When, due to life circumstances, I had to work in a totally foreign to me corporate environment, I was devastated that I will not be able to continue with music full time. But that experience made more determined and disciplined. I became more social and overcame my extreme shyness in communication.

3. Expanding horizons: Embracing areas of weakness encourages exploration and discovery. By stepping outside our comfort zones, we gain new perspectives, skills, and experiences that broaden our horizons and enrich our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. For example, I always loved medicine. At one of the crucial points in my life (when it was too late to go to medical school) I seriously started studying Chinese and Indian medicine and various natural healing techniques. I took courses and obtained certifications in Yoga, Pilates, Holistic Life Coaching and more. I became a Reiki Master and even taught Pilates and Yoga at the local “Y” for 2 years. All of this not only helped people around me, but actually contributed to strengthening my own health!

4. Overcoming limitations: Addressing weaknesses empowers us to overcome limitations and reach our full potential. While it’s essential to celebrate our strengths, ignoring weaknesses can hinder our growth and limit our opportunities for success.

5. Personal fulfillment: There’s a profound sense of satisfaction that comes from overcoming challenges and achieving personal growth. By investing effort in areas of weakness, we not only expand our skillset but also cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and fulfillment.

One relevant story that comes to mind is that of one of my piano students who struggled with sight-reading. Following my advice, she dedicated time each day to sight-reading exercises and gradually saw improvement. As a result, she became a very good ensemble pianist and enjoyed making music with her friends tremendously!

In my own journey as a pianist, I’ve encountered areas where I initially felt less confident or competent. Through dedicated practice and a willingness to confront these weaknesses head-on, I’ve experienced personal growth and greatly expanded my capabilities as a musician.

While it is important to recognize and celebrate our strengths, embracing areas of weakness with an attitude of curiosity and determination can lead to profound transformation and fulfillment.
Don’t compare yourself to others or compete against anybody. You have your own life, unique circumstances, fate and purpose. It is all about your own goals. Be happy about your own achievements!
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In conclusion, here is my personal message.

I hold firm to the belief that music, love, beauty and truth possess the power to mend our world. Effective communication, open dialogue, and unbiased listening are vital. History often echoes its lessons. Reject the divisive notion of “you’re either with us or against us.” Let’s learn from past errors and embrace peace, love, and harmony as guiding principles for our global community.

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Image Credits

Bohdan Borovets
Bill Walendzinski
Shirley Fan

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