Who is Vatche Jambazian?
A pianist who lives everyday as it comes.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
To even fathom the thought of doing anything differently to what I do now is unthinkable. Life is amazing the way it is and to be able to do what I love everyday of my life is all I need.
Who inspires you and why?
Inspiration must come first and foremost from one’s self? If you can’t inspire yourself how can you be inspired by others. Saying that, some of my most inspirational moments have come from the music of composers such as Franz Schubert, Johannes Brahms and Leos Janacek, delving into their music and feeling the pain, the struggle, the anguish, the glory all contributed to my inspirations.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
What I do now, performing around the world in different countries and meeting different people from all around the world in the hope that I can communicate to people through music and even change their lives. That being said, if I had the money to feed the world that would be my difference.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Where I currently live. New York City. Very lucky to be able to live in a city which is not only one of my favourite destinations but also one I can call home. The people you meet in New York from all cultures and backgrounds with such amazing and interesting experiences is pretty phenomenal. The food is also pretty amazing I love to explore some of the neighbourhood food creations which have become a new thing in New York as of recent. For example, a sandwich called the chopped cheese which is basically a burger patty smashed into pieces with melted cheese and thrown into a hero roll (panini) originally from the Bronx is one of my go to meals whether after a late night out or a sneaky breakfast before Uni.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Attractions are boring and lifeless these days. Full of tourists and cameras and usually very annoying to get to and very expensive sometimes. I always take them to a place called The Handpulled Noodle in Harlem – which is not only one of my favourite Northern Chinese noodle restaurants but is also a local haunt. Better yet, it is owned and run by an Australian Violist who has been living in the States for many years now. After dinner I would usually take my friends next door to the Wallace which is a bar I frequent to watch the NBA on their 7 screens or play some board games, life lifesize Jenga.
What are you currently reading?
Music, music and more music.
What are you currently listening to?
Myself practicing for the Australian National Piano Award which is held in Shepparton in September. I’m currently working on an Australian premiere of Andrew Howes’ work for piano called Moment Musicaux – which was written for me and I have been spending hours on it, so whether or not I’m sitting at a piano its still stuck in my head.
Happiness is?
Living and breathing.
What does the future hold for you?
I hope exactly what its holding for me now. Living, breathing, making music and having the best company around me. And good food of course.
Vatche is a finalist in the 2018 Australian National Piano Award which will be held at the Riverlinks Eastbank Concert Hall, Shepparton: 3 – 8 September. For more information, visit: www.australianpianoaward.com.au for details.
Image: Vatche Jambazian (supplied)