Petra Sittig

Currently performing with the London City Ballet under the artistic direction of Christopher Marney, Maxime Quiroga offers a fascinating insight into what it is like to be part of the company's exciting new chapter. In our conversation, he shares his experience of working with a company that is bringing ballet to new audiences while honouring its rich artistic heritage. Maxime's journey has taken him through some of Europe's leading ballet companies. After training at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Paris and the John Cranko Akademie in Stuttgart, he went on to dance with the Stuttgart Ballet, the Royal Ballet of Flanders, the Wiener Staatsballett, the Ballet de l'Opéra de Nice and the Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe. He reflects on the different artistic cultures he has encountered and how each company has shaped him both as a dancer and as an artist. Beyond the stage, Maxime has developed a remarkable career as a filmmaker. Since 2021, his dance films have received around 40 official selections and awards at international film festivals. He explains how his ideas often emerge through the dancers themselves—their personalities, movement and emotions becoming the inspiration for each film. He also takes us behind the scenes of the filmmaking process, sharing how choreography, camera work, lighting, editing and music work together to create stories that reveal dance from an entirely different perspective than a live performance can offer. This conversation explores the many dimensions of an artist whose creativity extends far beyond the stage, revealing a passion for movement, storytelling and the ever-evolving possibilities of dance. https://londoncityballet.com https://maximemathieuquiroga.wixsite.com/home The Inspiration by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Richard Case's path into music is anything but conventional. Growing up in South Africa, he pursued a degree in Mathematics at the University of Cape Town rather than formal musical training. It wasn't until he moved to Hamburg that he encountered an instrument that would change the course of his life: the pedal steel guitar. Entirely self-taught, Richard shares the remarkable story of how curiosity, persistence, and countless hours of practice led him to master one of the world's most expressive—and technically demanding—instruments. During our conversation, he not only explains his learning process but also offers fascinating insight into the mechanics and unique character of the pedal steel guitar. One of the highlights of the interview is hearing Richard demonstrate its rich, singing tones as he explains how the pedals and levers create the instrument's unmistakable sound. Richard's journey beautifully illustrates that creativity and analytical thinking are not opposites but powerful partners. Mathematics develops logic, pattern recognition, problem-solving, and disciplined thinking, while music nurtures creativity, emotional expression, listening, adaptability, and imagination. Learning an instrument also strengthens concentration, memory, coordination, perseverance, and the ability to think both critically and creatively. His story is a reminder that the arts are not separate from subjects such as mathematics and science—they complement and enrich them. When schools value music alongside STEM subjects, students develop a broader range of cognitive, emotional, and social skills that prepare them not only for careers but for life. Innovation often happens where analytical thinking meets creativity, and Richard's journey is a wonderful example of how these worlds can come together. I hope you enjoy this inspiring conversation with Richard Case, whose passion for learning proves that it's never too late to discover a new instrument, embrace a new challenge, and find your own musical voice. The Inspiration by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Tobias Hoffmann is a multi-award-winning German saxophonist, composer, and arranger whose music bridges the worlds of contemporary big band, European jazz, and the freedom of improvisation. As the leader of his Jazz Orchestra and Nonet, he creates richly textured musical landscapes filled with dramatic storytelling, intricate harmonies, and emotional depth. In this conversation, Tobias reflects on the beginning of his musical journey and the moment the saxophone became part of his life. He speaks warmly about the teachers and mentors who recognised his potential, encouraged his curiosity, and helped shape him into the artist he is today. Their guidance has left a lasting impression and continues to influence how he approaches both music and life. We explore his deep love for jazz and big band music, and what inspires him to compose. Tobias describes composition as a way of creating musical narratives—bringing together structure, imagination, and spontaneity to build works that invite both musicians and audiences on a shared journey. His music blends tradition with innovation, creating a distinctive sound that is both intellectually engaging and deeply expressive. For Tobias, music is fundamentally a social art form. It is about people coming together, listening to one another, responding in the moment, and creating something that can never be fully planned or controlled. It is within this collaboration and openness that some of the most meaningful musical moments emerge. He also speaks with refreshing humility about his own journey as a saxophonist. While acknowledging his strengths, he openly admires fellow musicians whose artistry continues to inspire him. Rather than striving for comparison, he has discovered that his true passion lies in composing—creating music that allows others to express themselves and contribute their own voices to the performance. Looking ahead, Tobias hopes to become the kind of mentor who once guided him. Having experienced the profound influence that dedicated teachers can have on a young musician's life, he is passionate about supporting the next generation of artists. He believes mentorship is about more than developing technical ability; it is about nurturing curiosity, encouraging individuality, building confidence, and helping young musicians discover their own authentic artistic voice. This is a thoughtful conversation about creativity, collaboration, humility, and the lifelong journey of making music that connects people. https://www.tobiashoffmannmusic.com The Inspiration by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

When I first heard a recording of composer Nimrod Borenstein's Mandolin Concerto, I was captivated by the sound of an instrument I had always associated with fairytales and enchanting landscapes. Curious to discover the true voice of the mandolin, I invited Israeli-born, Vienna-based mandolinist, lutenist and conductor Alon Sariel to join me for a conversation about his remarkable musical journey. Widely regarded as one of today's most versatile plucked-string performers, Alon Sariel has earned international acclaim through his contagious musicianship, flawless technique and exceptional artistry. As a multi-instrumentalist and celebrated interpreter of Johann Sebastian Bach, he continues to inspire audiences while exploring a repertoire that stretches from early music to contemporary works, often shining a light on lesser-known composers alongside musical giants such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In this interview, Alon shares how he first discovered the mandolin as a young boy and why the instrument became his lifelong passion. He also reflects on an unusual aspect of his musical education: although he studied the mandolin, his professor was actually a violinist. Rather than focusing solely on technical perfection, this experience taught him one of the most valuable lessons of his career—that music is never simply about playing the right notes, but about interpretation, expression and communicating emotion. We also explore the unique character of the mandolin, its rich history and remarkable versatility, revealing an instrument that extends far beyond its romantic stereotypes. His recently published final instalment of the acclaimed Plucked Bach trilogy was selected as an Editor's Choice by Gramophone and has received numerous international distinctions, further establishing him as one of the leading voices for plucked-string instruments today. Join us for an inspiring conversation about curiosity, musical storytelling and the expressive power of the mandolin—a fascinating journey with one of the most innovative musicians of his generation. https://www.alon-sariel.com The Inspiration by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

I recently had the pleasure of doing an interview with pianist, composer, and cultural visionary Teodor Doré for what became a thought-provoking and inspiring conversation. Teodor Doré is an internationally acclaimed pianist and composer, as well as the founder of the cultural movement Renaissance-21. His remarkable career has taken him to audiences across six continents, with performances at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, and the Musikverein in Vienna. He has released multiple albums that reflect both his technical brilliance and his unique artistic vision. One of the most extraordinary milestones in his career is becoming the first musician in the world to orchestrate Sergei Rachmaninoff's previously lost suite, having received the official approval of the composer's family. The long-awaited world premiere of this historic work is scheduled for November 2026 at Carnegie Hall, marking a significant moment in classical music history. His latest album, Portraits of Cities, takes listeners on a musical journey across cultures and continents, painting vivid sonic landscapes inspired by cities such as Istanbul, Bombay, and Manhattan. As a composer, Teodor has written more than a dozen orchestral works, including the acclaimed orchestral suite La Suite Romana, which has been performed by La Toscanini Orchestra at the Lerici Festival in Italy, the Albanian National Radio Symphony Orchestra in Tirana, and the London City Philharmonic Orchestra. Always pushing artistic boundaries, Teodor also composed what is considered the world's first immersive-format classical opera, created in collaboration with invited soloists from the Bolshoi Theatre and the Moscow Opera House. In 2023, audiences experienced two major theatrical productions featuring his music: Theatre of Gulags in London and Say That You Love Me in Madrid. Our conversation extended beyond music into philosophy, culture, and the role of artists in shaping society. Teodor spoke passionately about Renaissance-21, the cultural movement he founded in response to what he sees as the exhaustion of postmodern irony and the fragmentation of meaning in contemporary life. Renaissance-21 advocates for a renewed commitment to seriousness, beauty, excellence, authentic authorship, and intellectual depth. It seeks to restore coherence in a world increasingly characterised by cultural acceleration, declining educational standards, and the loss of shared values, encouraging artists and thinkers to create work that resonates with lasting significance. This was a truly fascinating and deeply inspiring interview. Rather than focusing solely on achievements, our discussion explored the purpose of art, the responsibilities of the artist, the future of classical music, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage while embracing innovation. Teodor's thoughtful insights, unwavering passion, and visionary outlook made this conversation one that will stay with me for a long time. If you love classical music, culture, philosophy, or simply enjoy hearing from artists who challenge conventional thinking, this is an interview you won't want to miss. https://teodordore.com/#rec667946890 https://renaissance21.world #composer #artistinterview #musicianinterview #petrasittigtheartistsvoice The Inspiration by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

In this episode of The Artist's Voice, I had the pleasure of speaking with hammered dulcimer player Corinna Rogers, an accomplished musician currently based in Nashville, Tennessee, who originally comes from Upper Austria. Corinna shares her fascinating musical journey, which began in Austria where she was first introduced to the hammered dulcimer. She reflects on her early music education and explains the rich history of the instrument in Austrian folk traditions. The hammered dulcimer has long been an important part of the folk music heritage of the Alpine regions, where its bright, resonant sound accompanied traditional dances, village celebrations, and cultural gatherings. Passed down through generations, the instrument remains a beautiful link between history and contemporary folk music. During our conversation, Corinna talks about what inspired her to leave Austria and pursue a musical career in Nashville, one of the world's most influential music cities. She discusses how warmly the hammered dulcimer has been embraced by fellow musicians, despite being a relatively uncommon instrument in many contemporary settings. Its distinctive tone adds a fresh and captivating dimension to performances, making it an exciting instrument for collaboration. One of Corinna's greatest passions is working with artists from diverse musical backgrounds. She enjoys exploring unexpected musical combinations and creating new sounds that emerge when different genres and traditions meet. These creative collaborations continue to inspire her and allow the hammered dulcimer to reach audiences in fresh and innovative ways. Since settling in Nashville, Corinna has found a welcoming musical community and discovered a deep appreciation for bluegrass music. While the hammered dulcimer is not traditionally associated with bluegrass in the same way as the banjo, fiddle, or mandolin, Corinna demonstrates how beautifully the instrument can complement the genre. Its shimmering melodies and rhythmic versatility bring a unique voice to bluegrass, enriching both traditional and contemporary performances. The Inspiration by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

This week on The Artist's Voice, I had the pleasure of speaking with the talented ballet dancer Hui Wen (Winnie) Peng, whose inspiring journey has taken her from Taichung, Taiwan, to some of the world's most respected ballet companies.Winnie began her artistic journey in gymnastics before discovering her passion for ballet. She also trained in Chinese dance, and in our conversation she reflects on how both disciplines continue to influence her movement, artistry, and approach to contemporary dance today.After winning first place at the Taiwan Grand Prix Ballet Competition and receiving a scholarship to study in the United States, Winnie trained at the Harid Conservatory and the Washington School of Ballet. Her career has since included Atlanta Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and international recognition with a silver medal at the Helsinki International Ballet Competition.We also discuss her exciting move to London City Ballet for the 2026 season. Winnie shares her enthusiasm for working with outstanding choreographers, performing a diverse repertoire, and being part of a company that feels like a family. She describes a supportive environment where dancers genuinely enjoy spending time together both on and off the stage.Under the artistic direction of Christopher Marney, London City Ballet continues to grow from strength to strength, building an impressive international touring programme and bringing exceptional ballet to audiences around the world.It was wonderful to hear Winnie's story and learn more about the dedication, discipline, and passion that drive a successful dance career.

Susannah B’s journey is one of discovering your voice in your own time. Growing up in New York as the daughter of celebrated composer and lyricist Carol Hall, Susannah was surrounded by the world of musical theatre from an early age. In this heartfelt interview, she reflects warmly on her upbringing and what it was like watching her mother’s creative career unfold firsthand. Although Susannah originally dreamed of studying drama and becoming an actress, life had other plans. It was only later that she fully embraced her true passion for singing and songwriting. Today, her music speaks honestly about resilience, healing, self-discovery, and personal growth, carried by a sincerity and wisdom that comes from lived experience. We also spoke about the courage it takes to follow your dreams at any age. At 61, Susannah is finally stepping fully into her own creative path, proving that age should never stop us from pursuing what truly lights us up. She shares openly about learning to see herself as an artist in her own right, separate from the shadow of her talented and well-known mother — a journey of self-acceptance and growth that many will relate to. This was such a beautiful and inspiring conversation with Susannah, who reminds us that we each have our own timing in life. Just as roses do not all bloom at the same moment, neither do we. Our time to bloom arrives exactly when it is meant to. https://www.susannahb.com The Inspiration by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Matthew Rose is internationally celebrated as one of the world’s leading opera basses, having performed at some of the most prestigious opera houses including Royal Opera House, Metropolitan Opera, Vienna State Opera, La Scala and the Bavarian State Opera. In this insightful conversation, Matthew speaks openly about the realities of life as an opera singer — the dedication, sacrifice, uncertainty, and immense discipline required to sustain an international career at the highest level. He also reflects on the worrying decline of opera houses and funding for the arts in the UK, and why preserving opera as a living art form has become more important than ever. Opera uniquely brings together singers, musicians, conductors, directors, designers, actors, and technicians in a collaborative artistic experience unlike any other. Yet despite its cultural richness and historical significance, the art form has faced increasing challenges in recent years. Drawing from decades of experience performing alongside some of the world’s greatest opera singers and conductors, Matthew believes strongly in giving back to the next generation of artists. This passion led him to found the Tosti International Singing Academy, where he serves as Artistic Director. From 19–30 August 2026, Grand Arts CIC in Folkestone will host the second edition of the Academy under the patronage of Sir Antonio Pappano and Dame Sarah Connolly. The Academy was created to support and promote emerging professional singers and exceptional conservatoire students by offering them rare access to internationally respected song and opera practitioners. Participants are given the opportunity to learn directly from leading artists and industry professionals who hold influential positions throughout the international music world. A remarkable gift from the Richard Stoker Trust has made the Academy possible, ensuring that young singers can receive mentorship, artistic guidance, and professional insight at a crucial stage in their careers. The value of the Tosti International Singing Academy lies not only in vocal training, but in preserving artistic tradition, nurturing excellence, building professional networks, and passing on knowledge from one generation of great artists to the next. In a time when the future of opera faces increasing uncertainty, initiatives such as the Tosti Academy play a vital role in safeguarding the future of this extraordinary art form. https://askonasholt.com/artist/matthew-rose https://www.soundsfolkestone.co.uk/folkestone-on-song-the-tosti-international-singing-academy/ The Inspiration by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Adam Williamson is an award-winning UK-based sculptor and calligrapher whose work bridges geometry, carving, pattern-making, and timeless design. Trained in calligraphy, geometric design, and stone and wood carving, Adam’s practice is rooted in the study of proportion, tessellation, and the universal patterns found in both nature and architecture. His sculptures and large-scale works have been exhibited and commissioned internationally, reflecting an extraordinary level of craftsmanship and precision. In this fascinating conversation, Adam speaks about the strong influence of his father, a carpenter, from whom he not only learnt practical skills but also the value of dedication and work ethic. He shares insights into his creative process, explaining how the material itself often guides and inspires the artwork. Adam reflects honestly on the challenge of beginning a new piece — that moment of uncertainty when faced with “nothing” — and how working through those difficult stages becomes part of the satisfaction and reward of creating. We also discuss his remarkable spheres with intricate wooden inlays, the extensive time involved in producing these works, and his deep appreciation for classical design and geometry. Adam believes that certain forms possess an inherent beauty that requires no explanation or persuasion — they simply resonate on a universal level. I found Adam’s work breathtakingly beautiful and almost impossible to comprehend as something created by human hands, especially on such a monumental scale. This was a deeply inspiring and enjoyable conversation about craftsmanship, patience, beauty, and the timeless language of form. https://www.adamwilliamson.com The Inspiration by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with producer, director, writer and former film marketing executive Christine La Monte, whose career has included working with major studios such as Universal, Disney and Orion before founding La Monte Productions.Christine shared beautiful memories of growing up in an Italian family in New York, where Sunday sauce at her grandmother’s home became a tradition that brought generations together through food, storytelling and connection. She also spoke about her lifelong love of film, how she visualised stories from a young age, and her journey into the film industry.With a deep understanding of filmmaking from both the creative and business side of the industry, Christine now creates meaningful films that celebrate humanity, art and connection.We also spoke about her moving documentary Viva Verdi, featuring the Academy Award® nominated song “Sweet Dreams of Joy” by Nicholas Pike. The film offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of celebrated opera singers and musicians living at Casa Verdi in Milan — the extraordinary home built by Giuseppe Verdi in 1896 for retired musicians. More than a residence, Casa Verdi is a living artistic community where older musicians mentor young music students, creating a beautiful exchange between generations.This conversation deeply inspired me and once again reminded me of the essential role the arts play in society. Art connects us, preserves stories, creates empathy and gives meaning to the human experience.

Lilit Margaryan a recent graduate of the Anton Bruckner Private University in Linz Austria, where she studied under Peter Tavernaro. In this inspiring interview, Lilit reflects on her journey from growing up in Armenia to pursuing her musical studies abroad, sharing the personal and artistic challenges that shaped her path. Interestingly, Lilit’s introduction to the oboe happened almost by accident. Drawn to the instrument because it was something unusual and rarely played, she was fascinated by its unique character and expressive sound. What began as curiosity soon became a passion that would lead her far from home in search of the musical education she dreamed of. Lilit speaks openly about the difficult decision many young musicians face when leaving their home countries to study abroad. Moving to Austria meant adapting not only to a new educational system, but also to a different language, culture, and way of life. She explains how these shared experiences create strong bonds between international music students, who understand the emotional and practical obstacles each other faces while building a life far from home. The conversation also explores the intricate and demanding nature of the oboe itself — an instrument often considered one of the most challenging to master. Lilit discusses the patience, discipline, and dedication required to pursue a career as a musician, especially on such a technically sensitive instrument. She gives fascinating insight into the art of reed making, explaining how oboists carefully craft and adjust their own reeds over time. Even the smallest variation in the reed can dramatically influence the tone, intonation, response, and emotional colour of the instrument. Through years of practice, she has learned how essential reed making is to developing a personal sound and artistic identity as an oboist. Always drawn to the road less travelled, Lilit is also deeply interested in exploring jazz on the oboe — a rare and exciting direction for the instrument. Her curiosity and willingness to push beyond traditional boundaries reflect both her adventurous musical spirit and her determination to keep discovering new possibilities. This was a wonderful and thoughtful conversation with a young musician whose journey has taught her not only about music, but also about resilience, independence, adaptability, and personal growth. Lilit’s story is a reminder that the path of an artist is as much about life experience as it is about technical mastery, and that the courage to follow an uncommon path can lead to something truly meaningful.

In this episode of The Artist’s Voice, I speak with Rachel Ashwell, designer, author, and founder of the iconic Shabby Chic. Rachel shares stories of her childhood in England, growing up surrounded by antiques through her father’s work as a dealer, and the gentle artistry of her mother, who restored antique dolls and bears. These early influences shaped her deep appreciation for beauty, history, and the poetry of imperfection. We talk about her early career in costume and prop styling, and how this creative foundation later informed her distinctive aesthetic. In a pivotal chapter of her life, as a single mother of two young children, Rachel opened a small shop, a moment that would lead to the birth of Shabby Chic. Her vision was simple yet profound: to create furniture and linens that were both beautiful and child-friendly, spaces that could be lived in fully and lovingly. Rachel speaks openly about the early years of building her business through trial and error, and how determination carried her through every challenge. She also shares the story behind the name “Shabby Chic,” and how it reflects not only a design philosophy, but her personality and way of seeing the world. Now releasing her 12th book, Meadow Manor, Rachel offers insight into this latest project and what it represents at this stage of her life. We also touch on motherhood, what her children have learned from her journey, and the deeper meaning behind creating a home. For Rachel, Shabby Chic is more than a design style — it is about memory, authenticity, and making a home wherever you find yourself. This conversation is filled with warmth, wisdom, and quietly powerful business insights woven through a life lived creatively. Meadow Manor https://a.co/d/02x0kPfs https://www.shabbychic.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq8-XUtRIE2KbBWgt51HHHmmFlhCR21PrpLr3u2m9ByewSU1IrQ https://www.shabbychic.com/blogs/rachel-ashwell-shabby-chic-couture-official-blog-amp-news/title?srsltid=AfmBOopt3hChAQz1C9miT3opRtQ6iK_jboyhDoLgF8pwppdafB8Yk698

The Inspiration by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/