This June, Paris will play host to the celebrated Piano Revenge Festival, delivering an impressive roster of contemporary artists. Artistic director Anna Bondareva, a composer and pianist herself, envisions the festival as a haven for contemporary piano music, a space where artists and audiences can connect with the "natural, organic, and profoundly beautiful" in a world dominated by technology. Held in the intimate Théâtre de l’Île-Saint-Louis, Piano Revenge will feature an international roster of talented pianists, including Maxime Verdoni, Cameron Segal, Doomin Kim, and Julian Trevelyan, all united by their passion for pushing the boundaries of piano music.

Over three evenings, these artists will explore the expressive power of the piano, drawing on their diverse cultural backgrounds and personal experiences. Anna believes that music, while deeply moving, also presents challenges for those who seek to understand its impact. With this in mind, we spoke with Anna to learn more about the philosophy behind the Piano Revenge Festival, exploring its unique approach to contemporary piano music and its potential to resonate with audiences.

It’s great to have this chance to speak with you, Anna. Earlier, you said music "presents difficulties for those who want to understand its effects." Can you elaborate on what you see as the challenges in truly understanding how music impacts us?

“Perception of music is like communicating with God, there is such a good parable: "A man decided to visit a hermit who lived near a monastery on the Holy Mountain. He wandered through the desert for a long time until he finally found him.”

“I need to know what the first step should be on the path of spiritual development, - he said. The hermit led the man to a small well and told him to look at his reflection in the water. The man tried to do this, but the hermit began to throw stones into the water, and the water began to ripple. ‘I will not see my face in the water if you continue to throw stones.’”

“‘Just as it is impossible for a person to see his face in troubled waters, it is also impossible to seek God if the mind is preoccupied with the search and the fear of failure’, the monk said. This is the first step."

The Piano Revenge Festival emphasises a "craving for everything natural, organic, and profoundly beautiful" in a technology-saturated world. How do you think the featured pianists and their music embody this idea?

“Our festival is a synthesis, a kind of fusion of traditions, where the classical view of piano music is intertwined with a less forced attitude to the art of piano playing. There is a charm in minimalism! Mozart once said: The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between.”

“This is the concept of beauty in non-classical contemporary piano music.”

You've chosen the intimate Théâtre de l’Île-Saint-Louis as the venue. How does this specific space contribute to the overall experience and philosophy of Piano Revenge?

“I really like this question, because this Parisian theatre is not a random choice. Let's start with the fact that the theatre already has a piano, which used to belong to the amazing pianist, composer and friend Alain Kremski, who himself often performed at the theatre. I had two concerts on the stage of Théâtre de l’Île-Saint-Louis last year, in the fall, and it was then that the idea of creating a festival came to me. As far as I know, there has never been a festival like this in Paris.”

“The fact that the theatre is actually located on the Seine River, on an island next to Notre Dame Cathedral, which recently reopened its gates after restoration last December, isn't this a great reason to hold our first festival in the neighbourhood? All the primordial elements are here: water, air, earth and fire, all of which a person should use and create something beautiful.”

Can you discuss the process of selecting the pianists for this inaugural festival? What qualities or characteristics did you prioritise in curating this group of artists?

“The most important thing is the desire to play. After that, we can start a conversation. There were different prerequisites and opportunities, and in our choice, we carefully listened to the inner voice, to intuition, this is very important.”

The festival's title, The Piano Revenge, is quite striking. What is the meaning behind this title, and how does it relate to the festival's mission?

“For many of our participants, the piano has become that lifeline, without which their life as an artist is impossible. From this state comes that revolt, that desire to prove that you have the right to exist as an independent musician, isn't this a revenge?”

For those unfamiliar with contemporary piano music, what can audiences expect to experience at Piano Revenge? How does this music differ from the classical piano repertoire they might know?

“I have already begun to answer this question a little, but I will add that many of our composers and pianists will improvise on the day of their performance, so the program remains a surprise for the audience. Come and see!”

Beyond the performances, are there any other elements planned for the festival, such as workshops, masterclasses, or opportunities for audience interaction with the artists?

“Yes, we would like that very much, we are in talks with some interesting and famous neoclassical composers and pianists whose careers have been successful, who have worldwide recognition. We want to invite them and to organise a master class with one of them so that our talented participants and audience can learn more.”

How do you envision the Piano Revenge Festival evolving in future editions? Are there any specific themes, collaborations, or expansions you hope to explore?

“I don't like to divulge secrets, but our festival shouldn't have any restrictions. I see that we could hold this festival not only in France, in Paris, but also in other countries and cities. This is an international, global concept.”

You are an accomplished composer and pianist yourself. Will you be performing at the festival, and if so, can you tell us about the piece or pieces you'll be sharing?

“Yes, I really want to play at the closing of the festival, on Music Day, an annual music celebration that takes place on 21 June, La Fête de la musique in France! This will be something new, previously unreleased piano compositions.”

What do you hope audiences will take away from their experience at Piano Revenge?

“We really want this festival to bring everyone, first of all, hope, as well as remarkable meetings, new emotions, joy and opportunities.”

It's clear that The Piano Revenge Festival is set to be a unique and exciting addition to the Parisian music scene. With its focus on contemporary piano music, intimate setting, and commitment to showcasing diverse talent, the festival promises to be a captivating experience for both seasoned music lovers and curious newcomers. As Anna Bondareva and her fellow artists prepare to take the stage, anticipation is building for a truly memorable first edition of Piano Revenge.

For more information about the festival, be sure to check out the official website, along with Instagram and Facebook.