Olga Sysoyeva-Schmitt is a concert pianist with classical training. She has already performed in Italy, Germany, Ukraine, Russia and Belarus, she lives in Chartres, France.

“I began studying piano at the age of 4 with my father Vladimir, himself a pianist. At 14, I joined the Weingarten Chamber Orchestra in Germany. Then, I continued my studies at the Alfred Schnittke Music College in Moscow, for a piano cycle”, confides this concert pianist who has won several competitions. The talented pianist Olga also received a concert advanced diploma from the Serge Rachmaninoff Conservatory in Paris. As part of the Dostoyevsky fortnight, she performed at the cultural festival dedicated to the writer’s art in Chartres, where she performed the entire 12 Seasons by Tchaikovsky with breathtaking finesse and sensitivity.

During Piano Revenge Festival Olga Sysoyeva-Schmitt will play Satie and Debussy, as well as her own improvisations on Satie’s pieces.

1. When and how did you realize that your whole life would be linked to music?

I was born in the family of professional musicians. Since my childhood I was surrounded by music. My father was a pianist and my mother is an accordionist and currently a teacher. I remember the special moment: it was my adolescence between 13 and 14 years old, I met a very good piano teacher in the musical college in Brest (Belarus) and thanks to this meeting with Tatiana Schaumova I began to realize my path as a professional pianist. A few years later, at the age of 18-19 l moved to Moscow, it was the continuation of my professional education and the beginning of my career as an artist.

2. Which composer has most influenced your musical imagination?

In my repertoire I have many pieces by Frederic Chopin, this composer always inspires me to look for a new touch on the piano, he is a great romantic composer. One of my favorite pieces is the ballad in G-minor. What a melody, how it penetrates the heart and soul! Chopin is a genius of dialogue with the listener. For me it is important.

3. What is your main creative motto?

Every day is a new possibility. Glory to God!

4. What would you like to express during your performance at the festival? What will your program consist of and why this choice?

Joy, the ability to be fully in the present moment and enjoy the special musical sound with the music of Claude Debussy! Contemplative and soothing music by Erik Satie. I made my choice of his pieces with the desire to bring a part of the serenity and lightness.

5. What goals do you set for yourself, what projects do you have on the horizon?

Currently I am developing my Piano Studio in Chartres and my musical awakening program for very young children. My daughter inspires me a lot. Second project: I am preparing the new album with the music of Tchaikovsky, Debussy, Rachmaninov and Schubert.

6. How do you see the future of piano music?

In the field of music for piano I see two main directions: music for classical pianists, – and there I believe we can have nice surprises, there are interesting contemporary composers. Another direction is digital music, it is linked with new technologies, pianists can produce absolutely incredible sounds with the digital keyboard.

7. What does Paris represent for you, do you have a special relationship with this city and why did you accept the invitation to participate in the festival?

The French capital has taken the place in my heart. I live relatively close to the city of Paris and I have played concerts in different halls. I perfected myself as a solo pianist at the Serge Rachmaninoff Conservatory. In 2021 / performed in a solo concert in the Conservatory main hall for my diploma. Paris for me is the city of artists, meetings, discoveries. I will be delighted to participate in Piano Revenge Festival in Paris.

Discover Piano Revenge Festival (buy Tickets here) and Olga’s Music