I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Alexander Piper — a gifted pianist and dedicated piano restorer — for a fascinating conversation about the intersection of performance, history, and craftsmanship.

Alexander’s journey is as unique as the instruments he works on. After an internship sparked his interest in restoration, he joined Das Klavier-Atelier in Vienna, where he spent over a year immersed in the world of late-Romantic Viennese instruments. In 2021, he continued his path at the workshop of Robert Brown and Michael Kirchweger in Oberndorf near Salzburg, where he encountered the intricate world of early fortepianos, their restoration, and historical reproductions.

In January 2022, he opened his own workshop in Vienna’s 18th district. His mission? To help rediscover the beauty and historical value of these instruments — not just as museum pieces, but as playable, living parts of our cultural heritage.

In our interview, Alexander shares insights into his meticulous restoration philosophy: preserving original components like the soundboard and hammer heads, respecting the instrument’s age, and ensuring it remains historically authentic and musically functional.

If you're passionate about music, heritage craftsmanship, or the art of keeping history alive through sound — this is a conversation worth hearing.

In this interview, I spoke with George Dumitriu — a versatile poly-instrumentalist (viola, violin, guitar), composer, and performer working at the intersection of jazz, improvised music, contemporary classical, and music theatre. Classically trained in Bucharest, George's musical journey expanded through studies in Groningen, Amsterdam, and New York, where he developed a deep passion for jazz and improvisation. George is a member of the North Sea String Quartet, a group he finds both creatively and personally fulfilling. He highlights how each member brings a unique perspective, and how his love for improvisation adds to the group’s dynamic sound. He also discussed his solo work, including his critically acclaimed album Monk on Viola, and expressed his growing interest in further exploring the viola’s role in jazz. In addition to performing, George teaches violin, viola, and guitar at the Conservatory of Utrecht, where he continues to share his knowledge and inspire the next generation of musicians. https://georgedumitriu.com/about/

I recently caught up with James Bamford, the founder and director of Project Dance, and his journey is seriously inspiring. James isn’t just a dancer—he’s also a choreographer, teacher, producer, creative, and the one running the business side of things too. What makes his story even more incredible is that he launched Project Dance back in 2018 when he was only 14 years old. Starting a dance company at that age is no small thing. While most teenagers are juggling school and hobbies, James was building a platform for young dancers to express themselves and be seen. He wanted to make the arts more accessible and give emerging performers a real chance to grow, create, and take the stage. That kind of boldness and vision at such a young age is rare—and he’s been leading the company’s creative work ever since. On top of that, James manages everything from choreography and teaching to organising shows, handling logistics, and making sure the company stays on track. He’s taught in both pre-vocational and vocational settings at places like the Bristol School of Performing Arts, RJT Dance Company, London Studio Centre, Stella Mann College, and Pineapple Dance Studios. A bunch of his students have gone on to train at top conservatoires, appear in films, and perform on the West End. James is all about championing the next generation of dancers, and it’s clear that Project Dance is just one piece of what’s going to be a long, exciting career in the arts. https://projectdance.org.uk/director/

In this episode of The Artist’s Voice, stunt performer T. Ryan Mooney shares his experience working in the world of stunt coordination and action performance for film and television. He explains the evolving role of stunt professionals in the industry and how stunt work has become increasingly specialized, technical, and essential to the filmmaking process. T. Ryan walks through his rigorous training routines, the preparation that goes into each stunt, and the level of detail and safety planning required to pull off high-impact action scenes. From physical endurance to mental focus, he gives a clear picture of what it takes to get stunts right—and make them look effortless on screen. His film credits include some of the biggest productions in the superhero genre: 🎬 Marvel Cinematic Universe – Ant-Man, Spider-Man: Homecoming, and Loki 🎬 DC Extended Universe – Stunt double for Jesse Eisenberg in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice 🎬 DC Entertainment – Stunt performer in Jonah Hex and appeared as the Markovian Captain in Black Lightning Follow The Artist’s Voice for more in-depth interviews with the artists, performers, and creatives who bring stories to life. https://www.tryanmooney.com/

In this interview with Natasha Reid, Architect at MATTER SPACE SOUL, we dive deep into her innovative approach to architecture and spatial design. Natasha discusses how her journey studying architecture led her to realize the profound impact that spaces can have on individuals in ways that go beyond the physical. She highlights the importance of rethinking how we see, shape, and design places, especially when it comes to human nature, wellbeing, and overall quality of life. At MATTER . SPACE . SOUL, Natasha and her team are leading a new wave of architectural thought, where the focus is on creating spaces that promote health, happiness, and social wellbeing. The studio is not just about constructing physical environments, but about re-imagining spaces in response to the evolving needs of modern life. By centering human experience in the design process, they aim to foster environments that enhance mental, emotional, and social well-being. This approach goes beyond traditional design practices, blending architecture, urban design, interiors, public art, and placemaking. MATTER . SPACE . SOUL is dedicated to considering the deeper, often unseen layers of spaces—looking at the emotional, psychological, social, and cultural impacts that design can have on people. It’s a holistic way of thinking that acknowledges the complex ways in which places shape and are shaped by human experiences. Since its inception, the studio has earned recognition for its forward-thinking methodologies, and Natasha often shares these perspectives at industry conferences, where she sheds light on the often-overlooked human aspects of spatial design. Tune in to hear more about how SPACE MATTER SOUL is pushing the boundaries of architecture to create spaces that nurture the soul and promote wellbeing in every aspect of life. https://www.matterspacesoul.com/

n this online interview with The Wildwoods, we explore the story behind this talented folk/Americana trio. Based in Lincoln, Nebraska, the band features husband-and-wife duo Noah (guitar) and Chloe Gose (violin), along with their long-time friend Andrew Vaggalis (bass). Their journey is a blend of exploration and connection, which has taken them from the heart of the Midwest to international stages, establishing a unique and authentic presence in the folk music scene. The band shares how they came together, with each member contributing their own individual style and musical influences, creating a sound that is greater than the sum of its parts. They also talk about their stunning music videos, which are filmed in beautiful natural landscapes. Chloe, Noah, and Andrew explain how their love for nature has inspired them to find and create visuals that perfectly complement their genuine folk sound. https://www.thewildwoodsband.com/

In this interview, I speak with Professor Hugo Spiers, Vice Dean for Innovation and Enterprise in the Faculty of Brain Sciences at UCL. With over 25 years of experience in neuroscience and psychology, Hugo has built an exceptional career. He earned his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and has conducted research at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit in Cambridge and the Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging before founding his own research team at UCL's Department of Experimental Psychology. Hugo’s research focuses on understanding the neural basis of spatial cognition and memory, utilizing cognitive and behavioral neuroscience techniques. One of his most well-known projects is Sea Hero Quest, a global initiative that has tested over 4 million people to assess their spatial navigation abilities. In this conversation, we discuss the role of art in shaping our perception of the world and its value in education. Hugo emphasizes the importance of creativity in scientific inquiry, explaining how scientists must think imaginatively to ask the right questions. He also reflects on his personal journey into neuroscience and shares his approach to research. This is a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of creativity, science, and education. #neuroscience #artandscience #petrasittigtheartistsvoice

In this interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mo Satanek, a talented musician, sound artist, and former construction worker, all the way from his father’s farm in Australia. The stunning natural backdrop of the farm perfectly complements Mo’s spontaneous approach to creating music, providing a serene setting for our conversation. Mo shared his fascinating journey into sound art, discussing how he experiments with unconventional materials to create unique sounds. He spoke about his discovery of PVC pipes, which produce distinctive, resonant tones that are perfect for his creations. Additionally, Mo uses everyday objects like pots and lids as percussion instruments, demonstrating how he turns the mundane into something extraordinary. With his background in construction, Mo often incorporates his work attire, such as his construction clothing, into his performances. He plays his innovative music in urban spaces, surprising and delighting passersby with the unexpected beauty of his soundscapes. Over the years, he’s developed an intuitive understanding of how different materials can shape the music he creates, allowing him to know exactly which items will produce the desired sound. Mo is also planning an exciting European tour, where he hopes to share his sound art and inspire others to explore the limitless potential of everyday objects in music. His goal is to encourage people to think outside the box and embrace the beauty of the sounds that surround us in our daily lives. Tune in to hear more about Mo’s creative process, his passion for sound art, and the way he continues to push the boundaries of music. Instagram ​ ⁨@canmastersmash9262⁩ 

In this interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Adam Cooper, an accomplished performer and choreographer whose career has spanned both the worlds of musical theatre and ballet. Adam has choreographed and starred in a number of award-winning productions, including On Your Toes, Singin’ in the Rain, and Grand Hotel.

Starting his professional journey as a classical and contemporary ballet dancer, Adam went on to become a Principal Dancer with the Royal Ballet, one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world. He gained international fame for originating the role of "Swan/Stranger" in Matthew Bourne’s groundbreaking Swan Lake, a production that redefined the traditional ballet and captured the attention of audiences worldwide. Adam also appeared in the 2000 film Billy Elliot, playing the adult version of the titular character, a role that further showcased his range as a performer.

In this conversation, Adam shares insights into his remarkable career, his experiences in both the ballet and musical theatre worlds, and the creative processes that have shaped his work. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the most influential figures in contemporary performance!

In this inspiring interview, I speak with Thabiso Khambule, a radio presenter and MC from Pretoria, South Africa. Thabiso shares his remarkable journey into radio, beginning with a challenging moment in his life—being fired from his job as a dental assistant. Instead of letting this setback define him, Thabiso used it as a stepping stone to launch his career in broadcasting, eventually securing a role at the renowned Jakaranda FM. Thabiso also discusses the mentors who played a pivotal role in shaping his career, including radio Rian Van Heerden and DJ Fresch. He reflects on the valuable lessons he learned from his role models and how their guidance influenced his growth as one of South Africa’s most admired radio personalities. In addition to his career, Thabiso talks about the importance of his faith and how it has been a constant source of strength and inspiration in both his personal and professional life. His positive attitude and dedication to serving his community reflect his deep commitment to making a meaningful impact. Listen as Thabiso shares his passion for radio, his aspirations for the future, and the values that continue to drive him. His story is one of resilience, purpose, and service, offering valuable insights for anyone striving to achieve their dreams.