5 Questions with Jonathan Stich

Violinist, pianist, composer

1 When do you start performing?

I started playing the violin as a child and learned the piano autodidactic. On a professional level, I’m performing since my studies at the conservatory. For a couple of years, I’ve started performing my original compositions.

2 How did you meet Iris?

Violinist Iris Ewald-Tillner and I met more than 10 years ago at the auditions for the conservatory. We felt an immediate connection and from that, a deep friendship developed. We studied together in Lucerne, Switzerland and shared a flat. Since then we are making music together.

3 Tell us a little bit about your recent release.

Inspired by the beautiful and rich nature of the north, I wrote “A Nordic Tale” for violin and piano during and after some travels through Finland and Sweden. The composition pictures the wild rivers, shimmering lakes and the wind blowing through the old trees of dark forests.

 With all my music I try to paint landscapes or tell a story. It’s chamber music but also cinematic and combines classical and popular elements. I like the idea of creating epic moments with just two instruments.

“A Nordic Tale” is available for streaming and on YouTube.

4 What do you love most about the violin and piano?

I love the sound of the violin. It’s very close to the human voice and there are no two violins or violinists sounding exactly the same. You form every note and can fill it with life and emotions.

The piano is great because you can play a full orchestra all by yourself. I also like the part of an accompanist.

5 What’s coming next for you?

I’m working on a piece inspired by Daphne du Maurier’s classic novel “Rebecca”. It will premiere it in Vienna and we hopefully have the chance to play it in Cornwall as well, du Maurier’s place of residence.

 I also wrote some songs for soprano and chamber ensemble based on poems by Sara Teasdale, which I’m planning to premiere in the near future.

“A Nordic Tale” is available for streaming and on YouTube.

Natasha Barbieri, Editor

Editor

Creator of Classical Crossover Magazine. For Natasha music has always been closely tied to her faith. At age 18, Natasha made her opera debut playing the part of the mother in Menotti’s ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’ with the Eastern Festival Opera. At 20, she was a winner of the 2011 Young Artist Competition at Andrews University. Natasha graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor’s of Music. Natasha has released a series of Holiday singles “A Place Called Home” (2020), “One Little Boy,” and “The Perfect Year” (2021). In 2021, she was nominated for the ‘Future Classic Women Awards’ show on Men’s & Women’s Radio Station. Natasha is the creator and editor of ‘Classical Crossover Magazine’ a venture that has allowed her to interview many of the top stars in the genre including Sarah Brightman, Celtic Woman, Mirusia, Paul Potts, and more. During the covid-19 pandemic, she created an online concert series for the magazine that has seen her perform in the same line-up as Alex Sharpe, Lucy Kay, Barbara Padilla, Classical Reflection, and more on the virtual stage. In 2022, Natasha was included on the charity album “Stars of Classical Crossover: Christmas” in benefit of the Wallace & Gromit Children’s Charity.