Eduard Sánchez Artist Interview

Eduard Sánchez is an international soloist and professor at the Conservatory of Music in Barcelona. An extraordinary musician, he possesses great talent, musicality, and technique, complemented by a captivating artistic personality. His recorded works span across renowned labels such as Orpheus Classical, Capriccio, DaVinci Classics, and Sony Classical.

Can you share five career highlights with us?

Undoubtedly, my performances as a flutist are my greatest passions. Among the numerous cities and grand auditoriums I've played in throughout the years, several standout moments include:

1. A performance at the Imperial Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Austria, alongside flutist Claudi Arimany and the Vienna Hofburg Orchestra. We presented Franz Doppler's Concerto in D minor for two flutes and orchestra.
2. A flute and piano recital at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, Hungary, with pianist Gabriella Gyökér, featuring works by Drigo, C.Ph. Bach, Gluck, Mozart, Bizet, Hummel, Doppler, and GrundMan.
3. A memorable two-flute and piano concert at the Palau de la Música in Valencia, Spain, with Claudi Arimany and pianist Pedro Rodriguez, showcasing J.M. Damase's dedicated trio.
4. Soloist performance at the VI International Flute Convention in Aix-en-Provence, France, paying tribute to Jean Pierre Rampal for the centenary of his birth.
5. A flute recital at Carnegie Hall in New York, an unforgettable experience in a magical venue with a deeply moved audience.

What are three pivotal moments that were essential in shaping the artist you've become?

1. Joining the Conservatorio de Música de Barcelona as a flute teacher allowing me to share my knowledge and passion for music with generations of students.
2. Meeting Claudi Arimany in the early years in Barcelona, under the introduction of Juana Guillem. I've learned extensively from Arimany and collaborated with him in various festivals and concerts.
3. Acquiring a Haynes flute from Boston, particularly the Jean Pierre Rampal edition in 14k gold. This instrument has been a constant companion, marking a significant moment in my career.

What do you enjoy most about performing?

While the entire process of preparing for a concert excites me, the anticipation leading up to the performance and the joy of knowing the audience will enjoy the music are the most rewarding aspects. The energy of a sold-out venue and the standing ovations at the concert's end create a memorable atmosphere.

Tell us about your recent CD releases.

I've recently collaborated with Da Vinci Classics on Johann Nepomuk Hummel Vol.1, a collection of flute and piano works, and Volumes 2 and 3 are to follow. Additionally, with Claudi Arimany on Capriccio, we've recorded the complete flute music edition of Franz & Karl Doppler across multiple volumes. A forthcoming release on Sony Classical titled 'Spring Time' features works by Beethoven, Czerny, Guinovart, Grundman, Sukarlan, and more.

What's on your schedule for the next six months?

My schedule is filled with exciting events, including concerts in Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Highlights include the release of Hummel Vol.2, performances at the National Library of Catalonia, the Marata Music Festival, and the presentation of 'Spring Time' in Madrid. The next few months promise a rich tapestry of musical experiences.

What are your personal and professional goals?

Professionally, I aim to continually enhance my technical skills, ensuring efficiency in daily practice and leaving room for other projects. Maintaining a balance between concerts, recitals, and ongoing projects keeps me in top form. Emotionally intelligent engagement is crucial for achieving all my goals.

What inspires you the most in life?

Life itself is a constant source of inspiration. The anticipation and reflection surrounding concerts, especially in new cities, walking among diverse cultures, and the satisfaction of delivering or experiencing a great performance contribute to my inspiration.

What has been your greatest professional challenge?

Teaching at the Conservatory poses daily challenges, guiding students to manage their studies, cultivate study habits, and witness their progress. Each student is unique, making the responsibility significant. It's a continuous challenge to ensure they achieve their goals.

Who were your music mentors, and what did you learn from them?

Juana Guillem instilled the importance of meticulous work on every detail, regardless of size. Maxence Larrieu's masterclass refined my double and triple-picking technique, enhancing finger agility. Claudi Arimany, a soloist and collaborator of Jean Pierre Rampal, shaped my phrasing, sound colors, and overall approach to making music.

Can you share 5 quirky or fun hobbies/passions?

1. An avid search for scores, manuscripts, and first editions to compare articulations and notations, a fascinating passion that leads to discoveries of unknown works.
2. Collaborating with Claudi Arimany in the exhaustive search for unpublished Franz & Karl Doppler works, uncovering hidden gems that contribute to their comprehensive collection.
3. Collecting and archiving posters from each concert creates a unique and varied collection of memories from worldwide performances.
4. Handyman skills, adept at solving everyday problems from vehicle maintenance to quick flute repairs.

What advice would you offer to young flutists?

1. Establish daily study habits, set goals for technical improvement, and focus on sound development.
2. Embrace daily practice and lessons, maintaining a commitment to ongoing improvement. Even established professionals benefit from occasional lessons.
3. Practice efficiently, utilizing time wisely to develop a strong technical foundation. Focus on short-term and long-term goals, ensuring daily practice leads to long-term success.