Oliver Poole: music is a universal language that unites us

London: Oliver Poole believes in making the world a better place through music. He has performed both solo and with orchestra at venues and festivals around the world and has been described as having an electrifying stage presence, charisma, talent for communication and improvisation that makes him a performer of unique entertaining talent.

 

Oliver Poole gave a centenary revival of Anton Rubinstein’s 3rd piano concerto with the St. Petersburg Philharmonic and has since performed at the Royal Albert Hall, Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, Royal Festival Hall, Cadogan Hall and with orchestras including the Lebanese Philharmony, Georgian Philharmony. He has appeared at the Al Bustan Festival, City of London Festival, Henley Festival, Festival Del Sole, London 2012, Serenata Festival and Tuscan Sun Festival. Mr. Poole has also performed for the British Royal Family and for various charities including UNESCO, Children in Need, UN World Food Programme, Teenage Cancer Trust, and UNICEF.

 

Oliver Poole also composed for the play ‘Enchanted by Death’ by 2015 Nobel Prize winning author Svetlana Alexievich. He also performed for the global launch of Haig Club by David Beckham and global TV campaigns, visual artists and international charities and initiatives.

 

In the interview for Front News Poole told about his early passions, about what he would have done in life if he had not become a musician and the power of music in political struggle.

 

Front News: When did you start your career – and what or who were your early passions and influences? 

 

Oliver Poole: My first public concert was at the age of six. I would say the energy in music was an attraction. It was such a natural platform of expression. Musical figures who enchanted me early on included Elvis, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Chopin and Louis Armstrong. 

 

FNI: What do you usually start with when composing?

 

OP: Improvising. Everything comes from inspiration in the moment, in the now. I would sit at the piano and make something, sing or jam with friends for example. It’s a beautiful endless moment. 

 

FNI: What do you personally consider to be decisive moments in your work and/or career?

 

OP: Well, there were concerts I gave in my late teens where I realised that I wanted to be a little more diverse than a “classical concert pianist”. I wanted to be myself! 

 

I began to create meaningful, unique experiences, sometimes incorporating performance art, live improvisation and/or audience interaction into my concerts. Having something to say (figuratively speaking) on stage and through an artist’s work I believe is core to a musician’s existence. My belief is that music is a language, and mankind’s reasons for communication are fundamental and sometimes spiritual – one of them being development. 

FNI: What is the most challenging about what you do?

 

OP: Getting enough piano practise! It’s tricky, especially when touring – you often have to find a piano somewhere, even if it’s in somebody’s home! 

 

FNI: If you weren’t a pianist and composer what would you be?

 

OP: Perhaps a singer, but I’m exploring that too.

 

But if I weren’t a musician, I would have taken another direction in the art world, or look into humanitarian work or education. I would like to try to make a positive difference in the world. 

 

FNI: What advice would you give to someone choosing the career of a musician?

 

OP: Go for it. Follow your dreams. We need more good things in the world, and music plays big part in making that happen.  

 

FN: I know that you were participating in Nino Surguladze’s charity concert in Georgia. And also I have the information that you have performed in Russia. Some artists refuse to perform for political conflicts. What is your position? Is music outside politics for you? 

 

OP: Music is above politics. There are many problems in the world, a lot of them caused by politics. I understand that political issues can hold huge importance to some and pain to others, and I understand some artists strongly wish to use their profession and influence as a way to raise awareness and voice concerns. It’s a difficult subject, but if anything, it’s in music’s nature and ability to heal, educate and bring about understanding. Have you ever been to a concert and began to realise how close we all are? Music is a universal language that disarms and unites us. It helps us harmonise and understand that we all really have much more in common than we might realise. It is a great lesson that helps us become at peace within ourselves and with each other, all the while cultivating understanding, both inner and outer. That’s one of the reasons why I think it’s so vital for arts education to be accessible to younger generations. 

 

FNI: London makes us go through hard times. The terror attack in Manchester, then the fire at Grenfell Tower. How are things going now?

 

OP: London always does it’s best to shine and remain positive. Events recently have been devastating and many people are looking for answers. Along with the tempo of changes happening politically, the atmosphere is charged. 

 

But Londoners remain spirited, always striving on the open, beautiful, diverse and multi-cultural society that underlines why my home city is often called the world’s capital. 

 

FNI : And finally, what are your goals/dreams for the future?

 

OP: I would love to see a world where human rights to freedom of expression, and especially creative expression, are not denied or infringed upon. In parts of the world, you are still punished for just being you. 

 

I hope to see classical music have renewed significance and appreciation amongst younger generations, and I certainly believe technology and artist  initiatives to revitalise the delivery of classical music in a way that is much more relevant and engaging will help bring this about. 

 

Personally, I would love to collaborate with amazing artists of all genres and use the power of music to help make the world happier, one note at a time! 

 

Mariam Mikadze, Front News