Who is Vanessa Perica?
I am a composer, conductor and bandleader, who does a little bit of teaching at Melbourne Uni. I’m originally from Perth, but have have been based in Melbourne for the past ten years, and loving it.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’d be an architect or interior designer. This was very much the plan before I got swept into the wild world of music.
Who inspires you and why?
Australian jazz icon, pianist and composer Andrea Keller is someone who I greatly admire. She is super talented and has an amazing work ethic, but above all she is an excellent human being. I just love writing with her in mind. From afar, Maria Schneider is a phenomenal big band composer and conductor who continuously sets a very high bar with her artistic output.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Like most people do, I’d wish for there to be fairer distribution of wealth, to minimise suffering, eradicate war, and that everyone just accepted everybody for who they are. However I am a realist, and as powerless as one can feel as an individual, I think the one thing that we can do is channel our energies with our full hearts into what we do best. And if everyone just did that with love and everything they have, then I think that’s a way we can offer some kind of healing to the world.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I am totally obsessed with Italy. More specifically Rome, but take me anywhere there – Napoli, Florence, Positano… The food, the architecture, the energy, the history. I need to return asap!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
My ideal day would be to take them to breakfast at one of the great cafes in Brunswick or Fitzroy. Followed by a trip to the MCG to watch an AFL match – preferably to witness a Western Bulldogs win! Then a post match debrief drink at The Arbory, overlooking the Yarra River.
What are you currently reading?
Anthony Bourdain’s memoir, Kitchen Confidential. Gosh that hit me hard when he left us. What a unique, funny and complex character he was. He had such a way with words.
What are you currently listening to?
Tigran Hamasyan – Red Hail, Aaron Parks – Invisible Cinema, Shostakovich String Quartet No.8.
Happiness is?
For me, a bowl of handmade pasta with a slow cooked ragu, glass of beautiful red wine, on a hotel balcony overlooking the sparkling Amalfi coastline, listening to music – with my husband, of course.
What does the future hold for you?
The way the last few years have panned out… who knows! Hopefully a lot more touring with my music. I’d love to work with more of the European big bands, and to dive into a lot more composition in the classical realm. I am open to all kinds of possibilities!
Vanessa’s new work, String Quartet No.1, No Feeling is Final, will receive its world premiere in a series of concerts presented by the Australian String Quartet in its Rapture tour this May. For more information, including performance dates and venues, visit: www.asq.com.au or www.vanessaperica.com for details.
Image: Vanessa Perica – photo by Rebecca Hitch