Petra Sittig

"I think knowing more gives you more freedom, but I can also see how, creatively perhaps, you do something that might be unconventional but once you start start studying, you realise that it's not as unconventional as you think. One thing leads to another and there are so many possible paths. So I think studying can be liberating but it also depends on the teacher and how restrictive that person is with you" says Pablo Dabdoud, pianist in California. Hear more about Pablo's music and what inspires him to compose and create extraordinary visuals with his music. https://www.pedrodabdoub.com/music/

In this inspiring episode of The Artist’s Voice, I speak with PJ – Peter-John Frans, a passionate jazz keyboard player currently based in Dubai. PJ takes us back to his childhood in Atlantis, South Africa, where music was not just something you listened to — it was something you lived. His mother played a profound role in shaping his musical journey. At home, she encouraged her children to sing together, creating a foundation of harmony, discipline, and joy that would stay with PJ for life. That early love of music continued in church, where he sang in the choir and deepened his connection to gospel music. As a young boy, PJ was already driven by a powerful inner calling to make music. He first picked up the guitar, determined to teach himself through listening, experimenting, and constant practice. Later, it was his mother once again who encouraged him to start playing the keyboard — an instrument that would eventually become his voice and signature sound. A self-taught musician, PJ has built his artistry through dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to growth. Since moving to Dubai, he has explored a wide range of musical genres, expanding his versatility while staying true to his heart: Jazz and Gospel. In our conversation, PJ shares insights into the vibrant music scene in Dubai and speaks about the opportunities he is creating for fellow musicians, supporting collaboration and artistic development. I love this story — from a young boy singing with his siblings at home and in church, to becoming an innovative and generous musician making his mark internationally. PJ’s journey is one of faith, determination, and the enduring power of music. Listen to this uplifting conversation and discover how roots, resilience, and passion can shape a truly remarkable artistic path. https://youtu.be/Pc1EKAv2474?si=A64h-ULsHn3R3sXR https://youtu.be/okHYFOACWS8?si=H9jdEpuAmrNiDZ6k

In this inspiring episode of The Artist’s Voice, I speak with Anna Katharina Jakobi, a multi-instrumentalist from Cologne, currently studying at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. Anna Katharina shares her journey as a young musician deeply committed to both performance and academia. Alongside her studies in Music Education, she is also pursuing Musicology, driven by a genuine curiosity about how music is perceived, understood, and contextualized. We talk about her passion for teaching and why she believes music and the arts must remain an essential part of the education system. Our conversation also touches on her enriching experience as part of an exchange program at the Royal College of Music in London, where she gained new artistic perspectives and international insight into musical training. Anna Katharina speaks beautifully about her love of performing and making music, balanced equally with her enthusiasm for research and academic exploration. Recently, she has spent more time at the organ and recounts the special story of how she received her first opportunity to play the church organ — a meaningful moment that opened a new musical chapter for her. This was such a warm and uplifting conversation, touching on so many of Anna Katharina’s passions and interests. A truly inspiring dialogue with a thoughtful and dedicated young musician.

In my recent conversation with Ballet Master Stéphane Dalle, I was reminded once again why art is not a luxury — it is a lifeline.Stéphane’s career has taken him to some of the world’s most respected ballet companies, including the English National Ballet, Boston Ballet, Béjart Ballet Lausanne, and Ballet Frankfurt. Today, he is internationally recognized for teaching the floor barre method developed by Boris Kniaseff — a technique that strengthens, refines, and reconnects dancers to the foundations of classical ballet.But this interview went far beyond technique.Stéphane shared what he describes as the most touching teaching experience of his life: being contacted by women from Iran who longed to study floor barre. Because of cultural and religious restrictions, it was not possible to organize such a workshop openly in their country. What followed was an extraordinary effort to arrange a safe location outside Iran where they could gather and work together freely.He spoke with deep emotion about meeting these courageous women — artists who continue to carry their passion for dance despite immense societal challenges. We also reflected on the history of the Iranian National Ballet, which ceased to exist after the 1979 revolution. For many, dance in Iran is not simply performance — it is memory, identity, and quiet resilience. For Stéphane, this workshop was more than professional fulfillment. It was a powerful reminder that art transcends borders, politics, and ideology. In that shared space, movement became freedom — even if only for a moment.This conversation is a testament to the unifying power of art and to the courage of those who refuse to let it disappear.

In this episode of The Artist’s Voice, I had the great pleasure of speaking with John Yao, a 2025 Guggenheim Fellow in Music Composition and one of the premier trombonists, composers, and arrangers on the New York City jazz scene. John shares the story of how he first picked up the trombone and how his deep love for jazz began to take shape. From his early musical curiosity to immersing himself in the vibrant jazz tradition, he reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his artistic path. He speaks candidly about discovering his voice not only as a performer but also as a composer — and how saying “yes” to opportunities, collaborations, and creative challenges helped him grow into the artist he is today. We dive into his compositional process, the transition from interpreting music to creating it, and the responsibility and freedom that come with writing for both small ensembles and large groups. As a masterful bandleader, John has released six albums, each showcasing his distinctive musical language, rich textures, and thoughtful arrangements. John speaks about the ultimate reward of composing: the joy of hearing fellow musicians truly enjoy playing his music. For him, that shared musical energy — the connection between composer and performer — is what makes the creative journey meaningful. This was a thoughtful and engaging conversation offering genuine insight into John Yao’s work as a composer, trombonist, and artistic leader. His dedication to craft, collaboration, and the evolving language of jazz shines through in every part of this interview. A truly wonderful discussion with an artist who continues to shape the contemporary jazz landscape with integrity, vision, and heart. https://www.johnyao.com/bio 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/

How do you become a full-time jazz musician — and actually make a living from live music? In this inspiring interview, Austrian jazz pianist Walter Fischbacher shares his remarkable journey from classical piano training in Vienna to building a successful jazz career in New York and touring Europe. At just 14 years old, Walter knew he wanted to play live music. That early dream led him from studying classical piano in Vienna to immersing himself in jazz piano in New York City — one of the world’s most competitive music scenes. But the road to becoming a professional jazz pianist wasn’t easy. In this conversation, Walter talks openly about: 🎹 Studying classical piano in Vienna and transitioning into jazz 🎶 Moving to New York to study jazz piano 💼 Working as a piano tuner to pay rent while pursuing music 🎧 Producing CDs for other artists and building a recording studio in NYC 🎤 Collaborating with his wife, jazz vocalist Elisabeth Lohninger 🎼 Performing with the innovative Phishbacher trio 🌍 Touring Europe as a full-time musician Interestingly, piano tuning — which became his financial lifeline — was something Walter learned “by accident” simply because he wanted to tune his own piano. That unexpected skill allowed him to sustain himself while building his performance career. Nearly 25 years later, the dream he had at 14 has become reality: Walter now tours internationally and earns his living through live music, recording, producing, and collaboration. This interview is a must-watch for: Aspiring jazz musicians Classical pianists transitioning to jazz Independent artists building sustainable careers Anyone curious about what it truly takes to make it in the music industry Walter’s story is one of determination, resilience, and passion — a powerful reminder that making it as a musician requires both artistry and entrepreneurship. https://walterfischbacher.com 🎥 Subscribe to Petra Sittig – The Artist’s Voice for in-depth interviews with artists from around the world. New episodes every Monday and Thursday.

In this inspiring conversation, I speak with Laura Köönikkä, founder and CEO of Confidants, about her journey between the art world and the business world. Laura shares how discovering art through her childhood nanny shaped her early understanding that art could be a career. Although she explored music and theatre growing up, she always knew she would not become an artist herself. Instead, her path led her to study art history and work on exhibitions, where she gained deep insight into how contemporary artists think and create. As a qualified coach working with musicians and creatives, Laura recognised how much the business world can learn from artists — especially their courage, resilience, and dedication to the creative process. We also talk about the importance of bringing people together and why real-life connection is essential for growth and learning. A warm and motivating conversation about creativity, leadership, and the powerful stories artists have to share. https://www.confidants.fi/about

In this inspiring conversation, I speak with Alex Josephson, architect and co-founder of the Toronto-based studio PARTISANS. Alex reflects on his early childhood, where creativity was already a driving force in his life. From drawing and pottery to constantly finding new ways to express himself, his artistic instincts were evident from a young age. He speaks warmly about the profound influence of his mother, who encouraged him to explore his imagination freely. At school, both his art teacher and his science teacher played instrumental roles in shaping his thinking — nurturing not only his creative abilities but also his curiosity about how things work. Interestingly, Alex’s decision to pursue architecture was sparked by a rebellious streak. He recalls being drawn to the field precisely because he didn’t know any architects — it felt unexplored, unconventional, and entirely his own path. With the support of his father, who encouraged him to follow his heart and pursue what truly inspired him, Alex embraced architecture as both an artistic and intellectual pursuit. He also shares formative experiences from his time studying in Rome, where he developed a deep appreciation for Italian craftsmanship and architectural history. The richness of materiality, detail, and cultural continuity left a lasting impression on him. Throughout the interview, Alex speaks about the designers and architects who influenced his thinking and helped shape his design philosophy. With PARTISANS, Alex and his team strive to realize better cities by innovating at the frontlines of ideas, culture, form, materials, and typologies. Their work seeks to optimise both performance and human experience, often subverting expectations to create meaningful and transformative built environments. This conversation offers a thoughtful and personal insight into the mind of an architect who sees design not just as construction, but as cultural transformation. https://partisans.com/about/

In this interview I speak with Emma Davies, a dancer currently based in Vienna and part of Blue box’s in house annual contemporary dance program, a program that brings together emerging dancers and renowned guest artists in an environment dedicated to training, creation, research, and performance. Emma shares her journey growing up in Barcelona, where her love for dance began very early. She started ballet at the age of three at her local ballet school, initially driven by joy and curiosity, before gradually taking it more seriously. This path led her to a ballet conservatoire in Barcelona, where a pivotal influence entered her life, her ballet teacher. Emma speaks with great appreciation about this mentor, who helped her not only refine her technique but also understand and recognise the dancer she was meant to become, shaping her both artistically and personally. Her journey continued at the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, where Emma discovered her deep love for contemporary dance. It was there that she experienced the power of creative freedom, exploration, and expression, and where collaboration became central to her artistic identity. Emma reflects on the importance of working alongside other dancers, learning from one another, and feeding off the collective energy that emerges when artists share space, ideas, and movement. This sense of collaboration is something she is experiencing again at bluebox in Vienna. Dancers from different backgrounds, disciplines, and stages of their careers come together, creating a rich and motivating environment. Emma speaks about how inspiring it is to be surrounded by such diversity, where dancers challenge, support, and uplift each other daily. For her, the reward is found not only on stage, but also in the studio, in the ongoing process of movement, self reflection, and continuous improvement. A central message that runs through Emma’s story is the value of trust. Trust in the work you have put in, trust in your training, and trust that opportunities will come when the time is right. Emma shares how she is seeing this more and more in her own career, that by staying committed, open, and trusting, doors begin to open in unexpected ways. I found this interview deeply inspiring. Emma is a young dancer whose passion for movement is unmistakable, and whose understanding of the long term process of growth, patience, and perseverance is remarkably grounded. Her story is a beautiful reminder of what it means to stay motivated, to keep trusting the journey, and to continue showing up fully for the work.

In this interview, I speak with Miriam Powroslo, a young violinist whose musical journey is shaped by passion, determination, and a deep sense of purpose. Miriam recently graduated from MUK (Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna) and shares how her love for the violin began at a very young age after hearing the Opole Philharmonic Orchestra, the very orchestra that first sparked her dream of becoming a violinist. From that moment on, there was no question for her: it had to be the violin, despite her father’s attempts to persuade her to play the trumpet instead. Miriam reflects on the people who played a crucial role in her development, especially her early violin teacher, as well as her parents, who are musicians themselves and supported her wholeheartedly by giving her every opportunity to grow. She also speaks warmly about her professor at MUK and offers insight into what it is like to study at this university in Vienna, a city she feels deeply grateful to call her place of study. Her journey continues as she prepares to attend MDW (University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna), where she will begin her Master’s degree. A central theme of our conversation is the importance of finding one’s unique voice as a musician and trusting that every artist has their own individual path. Miriam also shares the joy of recently performing as a soloist with the Opole Philharmonic Orchestra, a true full-circle moment and a dream come true, performing with the very orchestra that inspired her musical calling. This was a wonderful and uplifting conversation. Miriam speaks with such passion, clarity, and enthusiasm, and it is deeply inspiring to hear a young artist so committed and dedicated to becoming the musician she truly wants to be.

In this interview, I speak with Corinna Kühnapfel, a cognitive scientist and neuroaesthetics researcher whose work explores how we experience art through the body. Corinna shares how her fascination with science began in early childhood, dreaming of becoming an astronaut, joining a physics after-school club, and joyfully experimenting with science toolkits at home. Alongside this scientific curiosity, she also took piano and art classes, nurturing a deep appreciation for creativity and the arts from a young age. This early blend of science and art shaped her academic path. After beginning her studies in cognitive science, Corinna moved into neuroaesthetics, driven by a desire to understand how art is perceived, felt, and embodied. As part of a Horizon 2020 project (2020–2023), she completed her PhD investigating bodily experiences with installation art, movement within gallery spaces, and how individual differences in body awareness and physiological responses influence emotional art experiences. In our conversation, we discuss her research conducted in art galleries, where observing how people move around artworks revealed insights into attention, interest, and engagement. She also reflects on research inspired by an exhibition of Tomás Saraceno, highlighting how immersive artworks invite bodily participation rather than passive viewing. Corinna is currently a Postdoctoral researcher at the Arts and Minds Lab at the Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Originally from Germany, she was also the first visiting researcher in Matthew’s research group in Vienna, joining on an Erasmus fellowship to work on an fNIRS hyperscanning and drawing project, which later became the topic of her Master’s thesis. We also talk about the deep connections between art and science, and why it is essential for children to be exposed to both scientific thinking and diverse forms of artistic expression in schools—encouraging curiosity, creativity, and embodied ways of knowing the world.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with poet and spoken word artist Queen Sheba, who is currently nominated for a Grammy Award in the spoken word category.In our conversation, we spoke about the two years of focused work, commitment, and creative trust that went into achieving this recognition, as well as her recording A Hurricane in Heals and what she hopes audiences experience when engaging with this powerful work.Queen Sheba offers a clear and accessible reflection on the difference between poetry and spoken word, encouraging people to attend live performances and to experience spoken word as a living, embodied art form. We also discuss common misconceptions surrounding poetry, including the idea that it must be serious or melancholic, and she reminds us that poetry can also be joyful, humorous, and deeply human.She shares how writing has always been a form of therapy and self expression for her, beginning in childhood and continuing as a vital part of her creative and personal life. We also touch on the importance of collaboration, and the team effort involved in bringing a spoken word performance and recording like A Hurricane in Heals to life.This was a truly inspiring conversation, filled with energy, generosity, and a deep love for the art of spoken word. Queen Sheba’s passion for her craft is a powerful reminder of the importance of giving artists space, time, and platforms to share their voices.

In this inspiring conversation, drummer and composer Joshua Manus shares his musical journey from his early beginnings in Nigeria to building a professional career in Dubai. Joshua reflects on growing up in a deeply musical environment, where the church played a crucial role in shaping his path. Like many Nigerian musicians, his first real opportunity to play music came through church, a space that not only nurtured his talent but also instilled discipline, community, and a strong musical foundation from a young age. He speaks warmly about the influence of his brother, also a musician, who became his earliest inspiration and motivator. Those formative experiences left a lasting imprint on Joshua, and even after relocating to Dubai, he has never lost touch with his musical roots. Instead, he carries them with him, allowing his background to inform both his playing and his approach to music-making. Joshua opens up about entering the music scene in Dubai, describing it as a place full of possibilities for freelance musicians who are versatile, open-minded, and willing to put in the work. He talks honestly about the opportunities available, as well as the importance of adaptability, professionalism, and networking in a fast-paced and diverse music environment. Since moving to Dubai, Joshua has also begun to take his work as a composer more seriously. He shares the story behind his composition “God’s Creation”, explaining how the piece developed organically and how collaboration with other musicians helped bring the music to life. The process reflects his belief in collective creativity and the power of collaboration to elevate a musical idea into something truly special. Beyond performing and composing, Joshua speaks passionately about teaching. He explains how much he values passing on knowledge and how, even in a student’s early lessons, he can often sense their potential. Teaching, for him, is not just about technique but about nurturing confidence, discipline, and a love for music. Joshua also reflects on the obstacles he faced on his path to formally studying music. Rather than discouraging him, these challenges helped shape his resilience and ultimately made him the musician he is today. He emphasizes the importance of versatility, playing across many genres, and staying open to different musical styles — a mindset that has created more opportunities and longevity in his career. More than anything, this interview reveals Joshua Manus as not only a highly skilled drummer and composer, but also a grounded and generous human being. He deeply understands that music transcends borders, cultures, and languages — and that at its core, music brings people together. His story is one of perseverance, faith, collaboration, and a lifelong commitment to the universal language of music.

In this episode of The Artist’s Voice, I speak with Armenian artist Levon Avagyan, whose artistic journey moves from dark, futuristic philosophical visions to luminous, Renaissance-inspired works rooted in classical technique. Born in Yerevan in 1990, Levon was deeply influenced by his grandfather, Gevorg Avagyan, an Armenian impressionist realist painter. In our conversation, Levon shares vivid memories of his grandfather’s studio, especially the lingering smell of paint, and reflects on the guidance and values that continue to shape his artistic path today. Levon studied at the Yerevan Academy of Fine Arts from 2007 to 2011 under the guidance of Saro Galents, and his early work, including the series Bad Dreams About The Future, explored the human condition through dark, surreal, and futuristic imagery. He speaks openly about this “darker period,” explaining how the rock music he listened to at the time strongly influenced the emotional intensity and atmosphere of his paintings. Between 2014 and 2016, his Non Surprising World series further deepened this exploration, marked by restrained colour palettes and a sense of alienation and detachment from reality. A profound shift occurred after 2016, which Levon calls his “Period of Light.” Influenced by Baroque music, especially Bach, and the techniques of 15th-century Flemish and Italian Renaissance masters, his work moved toward a classical approach using tempera and oil on panel with true gesso. Levon reflects on how music continues to shape his compositions and inner rhythm, and how each brushstroke carries intention and meaning. We also speak about the responsibility of the artist, how a painting has the power to touch the viewer on a soul level. Levon shares how this awareness, rooted in the lessons of his grandfather, guides his work today and why he approaches painting with deep care, respect, and presence. This was a truly inspiring conversation about legacy, music, transformation, and the profound responsibility of making art that speaks beyond words. https://www.levonavagyan.com/bio

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

In this inspiring conversation, I speak with award-winning author and writing coach Dani Rosenblad James, who currently lives in Sweden, where she writes and supports others in bringing their own stories to life. Dani’s journey as a writer is closely intertwined with her personal experience of recovery after a traumatic brain injury—an event that profoundly changed her life and ultimately reshaped her path. Dani shares how the desire to write her own story emerged from this challenging period, not only as a way to process what she had been through, but also as a way to offer hope and encouragement to others facing obstacles in their lives. She speaks openly about how writing about trauma can be both difficult and deeply therapeutic, and how putting words to painful experiences can become a powerful tool for healing, clarity, and transformation. From her early work writing a children’s book to becoming an award-winning author, Dani also brings valuable insight into the practical side of writing and publishing. She discusses the realities of the publishing process, what aspiring authors can expect, and how understanding this journey can make the dream of publishing a book feel more achievable. As a writing coach, she strongly believes that we all have a book inside us, waiting to be written—each story carrying its own value and purpose. It was truly a pleasure speaking with Dani and learning from her lived experience. Her story is a beautiful reminder that maintaining a positive outlook, even in the face of life-altering challenges, can open the door to entirely new paths—ones filled with unexpected possibilities, growth, and opportunities we may never have imagined before.

In this interview, I speak with Vienna-based flutist Pablo Carpio Hernández, who grew up in Spain and began playing the flute at school—an early encounter that quickly grew into a deep and lasting passion. This love for the instrument led him to Vienna, where he studied flute at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw), one of Europe’s leading music institutions. Pablo reflects on the transition from student life to working as a professional freelance musician, speaking openly about the challenges of becoming your own teacher: learning to recognise where corrections are needed, while also giving yourself acknowledgment for progress and achievements. He shares thoughtful insights into the physical demands of being a flutist, particularly the central role of breath and physical wellbeing. While listening to one’s body and knowing when to rest is essential, Pablo also discusses the reality that musicians cannot always stop playing when they are not feeling at their best—and how to navigate this balance without letting limitations define you. We talk about his strong connection to classical music, especially the Romantic period and French repertoire, as well as his enjoyment of contemporary music, which he approaches as a different musical language with its own rules, sounds, and mindset. As a flute teacher, Pablo speaks about how his own learning journey allows him to deeply understand his students, meet them where they are, and encourage them with empathy and clarity. He also reflects on his collaborations and concert experiences over the past year, offering insight into his evolving career as a performer. It was once again a pleasure to talk to Pablo. His genuine love for music and the flute is unmistakable, and this conversation offers a thoughtful and inspiring look into his development as both a flutist and a teacher.

Rob Bailis is the Artistic and Executive Director of BroadStage in Santa Monica. A former professional clarinetist, he transitioned from performing to arts leadership, previously serving as Interim Artistic Director and Associate Director of Cal Performances at the University of California, Berkeley, where he curated a wide-ranging international program across music, dance, and theatre.In this interview, Rob speaks about the formative role of playing in an orchestra, particularly in youth orchestras, and how these experiences develop lifelong skills such as listening, collaboration, discipline, and empathy. He reflects on his transition from musician to theatre director and how theatre deepened his understanding of storytelling and collective artistic work.Rob also shares insights into BroadStage, a contemporary performing arts center located at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center. BroadStage is dedicated to presenting bold, inclusive, and globally engaged performancesacross music, dance, theatre, and interdisciplinary art. Under Rob’s leadership, BroadStage emphasizes community connection, accessibility, and artistic excellence, creating a platform for both internationally renowned artists and emerging voices while fostering dialogue and meaningful cultural exchange.

In this interview, I speak with Anna Masalin, Managing Director of Tulos in Helsinki, about creativity, education, and leadership in business.With a background in Art History, studied in the UK and shaped by international experiences through the Erasmus programme, Anna reflects on how early cultural exposure influenced her way of thinking and supported her professional journey. She shares insights into how studying art history helps her better understand present-day challenges by recognising historical patterns, context, and human behaviour.We also talk about the importance of music education in childhood and its role in developing creativity, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking. Anna strongly believes in the value of music within the education system and its long-term impact on personal and professional development.A key theme of this conversation is the idea that business is inherently creative. Anna explains how creativity drives problem-solving, innovation, and human-centred leadership, and why letting go of outdated models can open space for more meaningful and sustainable ways of working. We discuss how individual creativity and perspective can have a powerful impact within organisations.This was a deeply inspiring conversation about creativity, culture, and re-imagining how business can be approached in a more human and creative way.

Composer, Oskar Gigele is taking about his music: "She told me that my music is always a story telling music. It doesn't matter what kind of instrumentation it is, whether I use words or not. It always is some kind of story and it's something that I do automatically. It's something that I want to do also. I never really thought of that before and since she told that over one and a half years ago, I realised that and now I am doing it more consciously." Hear more about what inspires Oskar to compose his music and why he decided to study media composition. https://www.oskar-gigele.at/