Who or what inspired you to take up the clarinet, and pursue a career in music?
I loved to sing as a child and wanted to imitate my voice through an instrument: the clarinet was an obvious choice.
Who or what have been the most important influences on your musical life and career?
Every note that I played and that brought me closer towards what I felt and heard inside.
What have been the greatest challenges of your career so far?
Performing the Mozart Clarinet Concerto with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra on a brand new bassett clarinet at the BBC Proms. The instrument was designed for me and ready only three weeks before the performance.
The ARD competition in Munich in 2012 was also quite a challenge!
Which performance/recordings are you most proud of?
My latest recording: Belle époque with the Orchestre National de Lille under Alexandre Bloch (Pentatone).
Which particular works do you think you play best?
As I love Mozart (Quintet, Concerto, Trio) and French music (Debussy, Poulenc, Widor, ..) most; I guess those are the pieces people like to hear most from me.
How do you make your repertoire choices from season to season?
Intuïtion and a sense of challenge and creativity.
Do you have a favourite concert venue to perform in and why?
My favourite halls are the Concertgebouw Amsterdam and the Tonhalle Zürich. Both halls have a magical acoustic.
Who are your favourite musicians?
I do not have a favourite musicians, but I love many: Martha Argerich, Liisa Batiashvili, Truls Mörk, Hagen Quartet, Belcea Quartet, Francesco Piemontesi, Tabea Zimmerman, François Leleux…
What is your most memorable concert experience?
A performance of Brahms Clarinet Quintet in a small church in Belgium. There was a special atmosphere that evening. It felt almost like a healing experience, both for me and the audience. Many listeners started to cry during the slow movement.
As a musician, what is your definition of success?
Serving the music, reaching perfection and leaving ego at the doorstep.
What do you consider to be the most important ideas and concepts to impart to aspiring musicians?
Practice hard, stay yourself, ask yourself why you make music and embrace challenges with a smile.
Where would you like to be in 10 years’ time?
Even closer to my clarinet
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Having the impression that life flows by itself.
Belle Époque – music for clarinet from Brahms, Debussy, Pierné, Trojahn and Widor
(Pentatone SA-CD PTC 5186808) is available now.
Belgian clarinettist Annelien Van Wauwe, former BBC New Generation Artist and winner of the renowned Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award 2018, is known for her expressive, intensive, lyrical and honest performances. She is considered to be one of the most fascinating and original clarinettists of her generation.
The Cross-Eyed Pianist 