Sisters in Sync: 3-2-1 with Alexandra Dariescu
In this exclusive Sisters in Sync interview, we sit down with acclaimed pianist and advocate for women’s music, Alexandra Dariescu. Known for her innovative performances and commitment to spotlighting underrepresented composers, Alexandra opens up about the empowering moments in her career, her latest musical discoveries, and the values that drive her creative spirit.
3 Questions - 2 Insights - 1 unique photo with remarkable women musicians
Alexandra Dariescu has established herself as one of classical music's most powerful voices for change, breaking barriers and championing works by female composers that have been overlooked for far too long. From making history with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to introducing a groundbreaking award at the Leeds International Piano Competition, Alexandra is actively reshaping the classical music landscape.
In this candid conversation, Alexandra Dariescu shares her experiences as a transformative force in classical music, from her pioneering performances of works by composers like Nadia Boulanger and Clara Schumann to her insights on building a meaningful career in the industry. Her passion for bringing forgotten masterpieces to light, combined with her commitment to empowering the next generation of musicians, offers a compelling glimpse into how one artist is helping to create lasting change in classical music.
What moment in your career made you feel most empowered as a woman in the music industry?
Every time I perform a piano concerto written by a female composer and it’s a premiere in that specific territory, I feel we are making history together with the orchestra. It’s an incredible honor and a celebration of how far we have come. This happened again on my recent Australian tour—I performed Clara Schumann’s Piano Concerto with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and it was the very first time in the 118-year history of the orchestra this concerto was performed!
Also, this year, at the Leeds International Piano Competition, I handed the Alexandra Dariescu Award for an outstanding performance of a work by a female composer. It was the first time in the 60-year history of the competition that such an award was given. That moment felt incredibly empowering, knowing we’re creating change and shaping the future of the next generation of musicians.
What's a recent discovery you've made in music composed or performed by women?
The works for piano and orchestra by Clara Schumann, Nadia Boulanger, Dora Pejacevic, Leokadiya Kashperova, Florence Price, Germaine Tailleferre, Amy Beach, Doreen Carwithen. They truly deserve to be heard!
Who is a lesser-known female musician or composer you believe deserves more recognition and why?
Nadia Boulanger was one of the most influential musicians of all time. Not only did she teach Quincy Jones, Dinu Lipatti, Daniel Barenboim, Aaron Copland but she was also the first woman to conduct the New York and Boston Symphony Orchestras. So it’s astonishing that her Fantaisie Variée did not have its US premiere until 2022, when I performed it with the Houston Symphony. It’s full of original harmonies, with a beautiful middle theme that makes you want to hug the world. And the ending is so triumphant, building to a massive climax.
What's a valuable lesson you've learned throughout your career?
To always stay true to yourself, work hard and dare to dream. Perseverance is key, learn from your mistakes and most importantly don’t give up!
How do you stay motivated and creative in the challenging landscape of the music industry?
Always create and be creative. Don’t wait for the phone to ring! Be as proactive as you can, start conversations and be brave in creating new collaborations. Be curious and imaginative as this is what’s going to keep you thriving in a long term career.
Image Description: A split-screen image showing a virtual meeting between two women. In the top half, Alexandra Dariescu, smiles warmly, seated in a room with soft lighting, a piano visible in the background, and shelves mounted on the wall. She wears a light blue shirt with pearl earrings. In the bottom half, Stephanie Nicholls from Mirabilis Collective smiles in front of a framed poster, seated in a comfortable room. She wears glasses, earrings, and a dark grey top, with the edge of a wooden door and a couch in the background. The image captures a friendly and collaborative moment between the two.
Catch Alexandra Dariescu’s Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra Debut
Alexandra Dariescu makes her debut with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra performing Clara Schumann's Piano Concerto under conductor Magnus Fryklund on Thursday, January 9 2025 at 7:30pm.