Interview by Vassilios Nicolaos Vitsilogiannis

(IG: @vassiliosvitsilogiannis)

In the year 2013, Giorgia Vitale achieved a significant milestone that would set the stage for an illustrious career in the world of music. At the esteemed Conservatory “Vincenzo Bellini” in Catania, she earned her piano Diploma with the highest honor of A+. What made this achievement even more exceptional was that Giorgia accomplished it a year ahead of the usual ten-year study course, thanks to the recognition and approval of the MIUR (Italian Ministry of University and Research). This early recognition was a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication.

Throughout her musical journey, Giorgia demonstrated an unwavering commitment to mastering her craft. From 2003 to 2006, she actively participated in pianistic interpretation seminars at the renowned research scientific Institute Oasi di Troina. Her thirst for knowledge and growth also led her to engage with celebrated piano teachers from around the world. She attended masterclasses under the guidance of distinguished mentors like Leonid Margarius, Homero Francesch, Valery Piassetski, and Epifanio Comis among others. These experiences not only enriched her musical understanding but also honed her performance skills to perfection.

The stage became her canvas, and Giorgia painted it with the brilliance of her piano performances. She fearlessly took part in over 30 international music competitions, showcasing her prowess as a soloist pianist. Remarkably, she secured first prizes and absolute first prizes in all of them, a testament to her exceptional musicality.

But her journey didn’t end with solo performances. She extended her passion for music to teaching, sharing her knowledge and expertise. She worked as a piano substitute and a piano teacher in various esteemed institutions, passing on her skills to the next generation of musicians.

Her dedication to music extended beyond performing and teaching. She delved into research, exploring topics like Music Performance Anxiety and contributing to the field’s growth. Her work was recognized by prestigious institutions, leading to her being a part of jury panels for several notable music competitions.

Giorgia Vitale achievements are not just limited to the realm of music. She extended her reach into scholarly endeavors, earning advanced degrees and even publishing books on musical theory, pedagogy, and more. Her exploration of musical nuances, such as rubato in Chopin’s compositions, showcased her profound understanding of the art form.

Her name shone brightly in the world of music, recognized through awards, performances in prestigious venues, and scholarly contributions. Her journey was not just a personal odyssey of musical excellence; it was a testament to the power of dedication, passion, and relentless pursuit of perfection. As her story unfolds, it continues to inspire aspiring musicians and aficionados alike, reminding us that true artistry knows no bounds.

Could you please explain the origin of your innovative art project “Reversible Watercolor Paintings”?

A few weeks ago, while experimenting with a new painting style, I realized the possibility of creating a single watercolor painting that reflects the same image with an opposing meaning. This concept highlights the reversibility of both the image and its associated meaning. For instance, within the first 7 paintings showcased here, I aimed to explore various dual aspects of life and the human condition: the rationality of emotions versus the irrationality of feelings, the conscious versus the unconscious, sunlight contrasting with the shadows of the night, the joy of dance juxtaposed with the weighty fatigue, and the projection towards adulthood versus the nostalgia of youth. Each painting is equipped with two hooks on the back, allowing observers to hang and view it from both sides at their preference.

How did your interests in painting and music originate?

My passion for painting dates back to my earliest memories. Even at two to three years old, I spent hours drawing with crayons, and I still recall that distinct smell. The sense of contentment that comes with painting has always been a constant companion throughout my life. I’ve had an affinity for coordinating colors, seeking harmony among various shades, and finding ways to express my feelings, ideas, and dreams. My fascination with watercolors began when I moved to Switzerland at 19. Prior to leaving Sicily, my mother gifted me an invaluable travel companion: a set of professional watercolors in a godet format. This marked the beginning of my exploration into the expressive potential of watercolors, despite their apparent simplicity.

As for my musical journey, I started playing the piano at the age of 6, and ever since, I’ve remained firmly rooted on the piano bench. Music has been an integral part of my family – my brother and father both have musical connections.

You completed your piano Diploma at the “Vincenzo Bellini” Conservatory in Catania with exceptional grades in a shorter timeframe than usual. Could you share how you achieved such excellence and expedited your studies?

Becoming a musician demands mastery of time management, organization, and energy. I’ve always prioritized my daily schedule to focus on essentials. Embracing discipline and sacrifice enabled me to juggle studies at both state schools and the conservatory. Over time, this approach cultivated in me a mindset of rational organization, synthesis, and order. Engaging in sports, especially swimming, reading, and painting, provided crucial mental and physical breaks from my studies. Additionally, growing up in a tranquil Sicilian village granted me an environment conducive to undisturbed studying.

You’ve participated in various international music competitions, consistently winning top prizes. What sets you apart as a pianist in such competitive settings?

In today’s world, piano performances showcase remarkable levels of technical prowess. Consequently, what distinguishes a musician lies in their ability to convey emotion, exhibit natural expressiveness, demonstrate imaginative prowess, and offer a clear interpretation, all while possessing a distinctive natural “tone.” The guidance of exceptional teachers also plays an indispensable role.

Your dual involvement in music and painting is intriguing. How do these two artistic realms intersect in your creative process, and do they mutually influence one another?

Though distinct, music and painting serve as two outlets for my self-expression, with occasional interconnections. I’ve always juxtaposed the structured precision of music with the unbounded expression of painting. Painting offers me unparalleled freedom, a sanctuary from judgment, an untamed space. To prevent contamination, I’ve deliberately avoided structured painting classes.

While they remain separate, music and painting influence each other in my creative journey. Musical compositions’ tonalities and harmonic modulations translate into colors and shades in my paintings. Conversely, the three-dimensional essence of landscapes finds resonance in my musical phrasing, imparting depth to sounds. My process of synthesizing and mapping musical structures while playing the piano often serves as a spatial reference for landscapes.

You’ve been a dedicated educator in various music schools. What aspect of teaching do you find most fulfilling, and how has your performance career shaped your teaching approach?

Teaching is a reciprocal learning experience. Instructing provides insight into students’ learning patterns and reactions, fostering adaptability and patience. A teacher’s background becomes a treasure trove of skills and experience for students. Hence, teaching is an endless realm of discovery, enriching both educators and learners.

Your research on self-regulation in piano practice and music performance anxiety showcases your interest in the psychological facets of music education. How do these insights impact your teaching and performance philosophy?

 Musicianship encompasses theoretical, psychological, and performative facets. Effective practice involves three phases: forethought, performance, and self-reflection. A holistic performance springs from a strong theoretical foundation, knowledge to be imparted to students. Addressing performance anxiety can be challenging, but techniques like controlled breathing, muscle relaxation, error management, and simulated performances can mitigate its effects. The stage remains an uncharted territory, a journey rife with human imperfections.

Your contributions to music literature are extensive, spanning books and articles across diverse topics. How do you balance your artistic career with your scholarly pursuits?

My fascination with music theory, psychology, musicology, and history complements practical musical study, fostering a comprehensive musical outlook. This approach enriches my artistry and allows me to maintain a global perspective on music.

What does painting represent for you, and what’s your creative process when you approach a canvas?

Painting is my refuge, a realm of carefree expression. Through art, I convey thoughts and emotions wordlessly, narrating my story. My watercolors take shape in my silent studio. I start by selecting shades based on my emotions, then brushstroke by brushstroke, the painting’s narrative unfolds. I rarely predetermine what I’ll paint; the final result is an ongoing discovery, a challenge to translate stories onto the blank canvas.

Your artistic journey has led you across countries and musical genres. How do these diverse experiences influence your artistic identity and your current approach to your work?

Journeys contribute to enrichment and transformation. While various locales, musical experiences, sounds, colors, and scents have left their imprint, my true artistic identity evolved in Sicily, my homeland. My musical inspirations include Chopin, Bach, Beethoven, and for painting, Monet, Van Gogh, Emil Nolde, and Ann Blockley.

Contacts: [email protected]

Instagram: giorgia.vitale.art

Images by Paolo Cremona

Shooting Location at Etna Volcano, Sicily

GIORGIA VITALE’S ARTWORK-EXCLUSIVELY SHOWCASED ONLINE

-“The conscious. Shades of viridian green”
-“The subconscious. Shades of viridian green.”

-“The calm after the storm”
-“Stormy sky”

-“Succumb to the world”
-“Dancing on the world”

-“Cling to wisdom. The child dreams of being an adult.”
-“The adult remains anchored to his youth”

-“Predominance of reason over feelings”
-“Predominance of feelings over reason”

-“Sun rays. 11 am”
-“Moon reflections. 11 pm”

-“Winter sea. Leaden sky.”                                       -“Seascape in spring. Clear sky.”