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‍How did you meet the charity’s founder, Aidan Woodcock?

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"I first met Aidan and Susan when I was in my early teens, still a pupil at Yehudi Menuhin School. They regularly hosted house concerts for artists and students, at which I had the opportunity to perform as well as attend frequently as an audience member. After completing my studies in Vienna, I reconnected with them, and we began spending a great deal of time together, engaging in long conversations about all sorts of subjects."

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What was your initial reaction when Aidan asked you to direct the first Maiastra course, and what memories do you have of the first concert?

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"Aidan was a man of great vision and curiosity, and he was incredibly generous and supportive. Although I was a novice at directing a project of this kind, he always made me feel encouraged and motivated. I was deeply grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to learn, develop and grow through the experience.

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One of my most vivid memories is of Aidan listening to us rehearsing from his office. Towards the end of each course, we would play through the programmes for him. He would sit with the scores in his hands, listening attentively and offering critical but always valuable feedback.

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Over the years, we have had numerous coaching sessions with David Takeno, each one insightful and inspiring. It felt almost like magic how he helped us transform the way we play together in such a short time. After each session, we discovered a new sense of freedom in the way we listened and responded to one another.

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Looking back, I feel fortunate to have been given that opportunity and to have learned so much through those early experiences. Aidan’s trust and encouragement meant a great deal to me."

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How does it feel to celebrate the charity’s twentieth anniversary, knowing that you have been on this journey since the beginning?

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"I feel truly pleased and proud to see how Maiastra has grown and developed into such an important organisation, thanks to the dedication of its trustees, the wonderful musicians and the generosity of its supporters, and the contributions of everyone involved.

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As Aidan used to say, music should be accessible to everyone. His ethos, and his belief in offering students opportunities regardless of their background, continue to resonate deeply with me. It is wonderful to see that this vision remains at the heart of Maiastra today.

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In life, you meet some truly special people, and Aidan was certainly one of a kind. I feel privileged to have been part of this journey from the very beginning, and to see his vision continue to inspire and make a difference twenty years on."

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What are you most looking forward to about the celebration concert at Menuhin Hall?

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"I’m really looking forward to sharing this special occasion with everyone, and to performing alongside Arisa, Simon, David, and Matthijs!

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As we celebrate this wonderful twenty-year milestone, I hope Maiastra will continue to flourish, sharing the joy of music and creating valuable opportunities for many more young musicians in the years to come."

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We hope you can join us in celebrating twenty years of Maiastra on Sunday 1 November at The Menuhin Hall!