Interview by Giulia Juliet Belkin
Eighty-eight keys never met someone quite like her. Dazzling modern day virtuoso, Emmy Award winning pianist, Lola Astanova is a musical firecracker in red soles. Elegant, delicate, prim-postured, much like designer Christian Louboutin imagines the women behind his famous shoes. Lola owns several dozens of them and is often spotted wearing a pair of red bottoms during her performances.
In 2012, Lola Astanova was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall for a special Tribute to Vladimir Horowitz gala which was chaired by US President Donald Trump and hosted by actress Julie Andrews.
In 2014, Lola was introduced on stage by American TV personality Kris Jenner during the performance at the New York Ball while honoring the editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani of Italian Vogue magazine.
Most recently, in 2018, Lola was personally invited by President Donald Trump to perform the American National Anthem at the White House for the Independence Day celebrations. Some of Lola’s students are well-known figures, like the tennis star Novak Djokovic.
Lola Astanova and David Foster
Giulia: You are an Emmy award winning pianist, who played twice for President of the United States, who performed with Andrea Bocelli, whose music moves music moguls like David Foster. What is your secret for success?
Lola: In my view, the three key ingredients for success are actually quite simple: you must stay true to who you are, you must maintain laser-sharp focus on your goals, and you must have the stomach for uncertainty. There are other important elements, of course, like a committed team, good connections, and just sheer luck, but those typically evolve from the first three ingredients.
Giulia: Can you share what you played at the White House? What was that experience like for you?
Lola: I played the National Anthem and the “Rhapsody in Blue” – an American classic by George Gershwin. For a first generation American to perform the US anthem on Independence Day at the White House in front of thousands of military veterans and their families is an emotion that I can hardly put into words. I was proud, humbled and honored to be a part of that special night.
President Donald Trump and Lola Astanova
Performing at the White House
Giulia: What are some of the challenges you faced on your way to success?
Lola: I think I could write a book on this subject. But the most disappointing one would have to be getting disillusioned with the people I used to admire and learning the difference between “famous” and “good”.
Giulia: I couldn’t agree more with you on this one.
What has been the most memorable performing experience for you and why?
Lola: My Carnegie Hall debut was truly memorable. I performed on the main stage at Carnegie Hall in front of the sold-out crowd, I played Vladimir Horowitz’s own piano, I was introduced on stage by the future President of the United States, the concert was hosted by Dame Julie Andrews and all profits went to support the American Cancer Society. It was also a special fashion night for me because I wore custom dresses designed by Roberto Cavalli and Marc Bower, and some extraordinarily beautiful jewelry from Tiffany.
Giulia: What was it like working with Andrea Bocelli?
Lola: A couple of years ago Andrea invited me to perform with him in his native Tuscany, and we made a documentary about it called “The Journey to the Theater of Silence”, which gives a glimpse into Andrea’s life and the experience of performing together. He is someone who has a unique appreciation for beauty in music, and who is very genuine in his expression.
Giulia: Now let’s talk about your skills. You play piano upside down, with eyes covered, while doing work out or playing on two pianos simultaneously. How? Is this a gift or a result of hard training?
Lola: Maybe a little bit of both (Laughs). When you reach a certain level of mastery in your craft, I think you can afford to have a little fun with it.
Giulia: Who were your biggest teachers in life?
Lola: In music, my main teachers were Tamara Popovich, Lev Naumov and Mark Rusak – all three extraordinarily gifted and selfless music teachers. But in a broader sense, this question is harder to answer, because I constantly look to grow and I’ve had many different teachers along the way - both people and circumstances - for which I’m grateful and stronger.
Giulia: What are some of your favorite classical pieces?
Lola: My favorites change all the time, but Rachmaninoff 2nd and 3rd concerti always seem to be among them.
Giulia: Besides being musically oh so talented, you are a woman of fashion. How many pairs of Louboutin’s do you have?
Lola: Fashion and music have always been connected, and for me one inspires the other and vice versa. Frankly, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff and many others were known as fashionistas back in their day. As for my Louboutins - if I were to guess, I’d say I have several dozen, but I could always use a few more (Laughs).
They are impossible to walk in, but the shape is perfection!
Giulia: What designers do you admire?
Lola: I’ve always admired Tom Ford, Domenico Dolce, Balmain and, of course, the late great Karl Lagerfeld. I think he was a historic figure, larger than the fashion industry itself and, in some ways, I also consider him my teacher.
Giulia: You performed at a Vogue event. Can you share what it was about and what was that experience like?
Lola: I did play for a special Vogue event, it was an evening honoring Franca Sozzani - the legendary Editor-in-Chief of Italian Vogue. It took place shortly before her untimely passing, so our conversation after my performance is a bitter-sweet memory now. Much like Karl, she was someone who transcended the fashion world and addressed social and cultural issues. She was fearless.
Giulia: Who would you want to perform with in the future?
Lola: I love to explore artistic collaborations because there is always an element of unpredictable magic that is possible when you work with other great artists. I would love to record a duet with Ariana Grande, I think she is a fantastic vocalist. And would also love to do a collaboration with a great hip-hop artist like Kendrick Lamar.
Giulia: How does quarantine affect your work today?
Lola: With the exception of cancelled performances, not that much. I am in my home studio daily, working on new material and putting together plans for when things return to normal.
Giulia: And finally what is next for Lola Astanova that we should get super excited about?
Lola: I am working on a new performance program that will feature both classical and electronic elements. This May, I released a new track titled “Elise Was Here”, which gives a tiny hint about the new direction, but once completely put together, the new live show will be something spectacular. I’m also excited to participate in an intriguing Michael Jackson project that his official team is contemplating. Michael was one of my inspirations, so to work with his music legacy will be truly special.
Giulia: That is Grand! I am super excited and looking forward to seeing this.
Thank you for your time and best of luck!
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