Olga Scheps in an interview

"I like to look ahead."

Since 2009, Olga Scheps has been an exclusive artist with Sony Classical and recently recorded her seventh album. This solo album, featuring works by Erik Satie, was released in May 2016 and reached number 1 in the official German classical music charts. For her album "Chopin," Olga Scheps received an ECHO Klassik award in the category "Newcomer of the Year." All of Olga's other albums have reached the top ten of the official classical music charts. Olga Scheps currently lives in her adopted home of Cologne, from where she travels to classical music festivals and concert series in various countries and performs with leading orchestras and conductors worldwide.

Classicpoint.net: Your father is a piano professor and your mother a piano teacher. Who gave you your first piano lessons?
I can't remember exactly. As far as I can recall, music has always been a part of everyday life, and I find that very nice; it's still the case in my family today.

Your career has followed a linear path. You've steadily grown in popularity and success. Were there ever low points when you doubted everything?
I like to look ahead and focus on things that inspire me. For example, there's so much great music I'd love to play and perform. I've just recorded a new solo album, which will be released in March, and I'm already thinking about the next album and upcoming concerts with different programs. I'm looking forward to performing with the Weinberg Quintet and the wonderful Kuss Quartet.

You originally come from Russia and spent your childhood there. What are your feelings towards your homeland today?
My family moved away when I was just six years old, and I spent part of my childhood in Wuppertal. As a result, I grew up bilingual. With the three languages ​​I speak today (German, Russian, and English), I can communicate anywhere in the world, and I value that very much.

You are primarily engaged as a concert soloist and occasionally give masterclasses. Would you accept a professorship at a music academy if offered?
I enjoy teaching and I can imagine teaching at a music academy someday. I greatly enjoy the exchange with the next generation of pianists.

Brand ambassadors are not common in the classical music industry. You officially act as a spokesperson. Do you receive criticism for this, and how do you deal with it?
I think everyone should do what they believe is right and be guided by what they personally find appealing.

You recorded a CD with music by Scooter. What was that experience like, and do you plan on making more cross-genre recordings?
This CD contains transcriptions and variations of Scooter's songs; the music is by Sven Helbig and Clemens Pötsch.
I've already recorded several cross-genre works and albums. You can hear so many beautiful examples in music from all eras where different styles have inspired each other.

You deliberately play in very unorthodox venues. In Cologne, you even performed as a street musician. What's the intention behind that?
Every performance had its own story. Generally, I think music can take place in other locations besides concert halls. I live near the cathedral square in Cologne and have often wondered what would happen if I played the piano there, right in the middle of the crowded pedestrian zone. It was a wonderful experience!

They have a large fan base even outside the classical music scene. They appear regularly on television talk shows. Do you sometimes find the classical music scene too narrow-minded and isolated?
I don't actually know anyone who doesn't have Bach and Chopin, Satie, Ariana Grande, Raf Camora, and Miles Davis in their playlist or CD collection, to name a few. Regardless of what these people do for a living. Do I find the classical music scene narrow-minded or isolated? No, of course not.

What interests and passions do you have besides music?
I love to cook. Between concert tours, there's little I enjoy more than being cozy at home with home-cooked food, a great book, or a film.

Interview by Florian Schär | Classicpoint.net | March 1, 2019
© Image: Felix Broede