Travel

Travel and musical encounters have always been an integral part of the development of great artists. Almost every significant pianist and composer has broadened their horizons through concerts, study abroad programs, and exchanges with other cultures. One need only think of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who traveled with his father through the musical centers of Europe even as a child, thereby receiving crucial inspiration for his later work.
I, too, have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to study at various universities throughout my life while also performing as a musician on different continents. Every journey, every concert, and every encounter with other people and cultures has broadened my perspective on music and shaped my artistic development.
My recent travels through Europe have been particularly inspiring for me. Italy, Austria, and France, in particular, have left a deep impression on me. These countries possess a unique cultural and musical tradition that, as a musician, one must not only study but also experience firsthand. The grand concert halls, the historic cities, the museums, and the places where important composers worked provide an inspiration that goes far beyond what books or recordings can convey.
To me, Verona is one of the most romantic cities in the world—perhaps even the true city of love. While many people immediately think of Paris, my heart belongs to Verona. The city has a very special magic: elegant squares, historic alleyways, and an atmosphere brimming with passion, art, and a zest for life.
I find Romeo and Juliet’s famous balcony particularly fascinating. I can’t help but smile every time I see the many couples in love taking photos there and dreaming of true love. It’s a place full of stories, emotions, and wonderful romance.
For me, however, the absolute highlight is the Verona Arena. As a pianist and musician, this place is simply overwhelming. The thought that music, opera, and profound emotions have been thrilling audiences here for nearly 2,000 years makes my heart race. The unique acoustics, the impressive architecture, and the special atmosphere under the starry sky make every visit an unforgettable experience.
Verona is a city that inspires, moves, and enchants. For me, it uniquely combines music, art, history, and love. Every time I leave Verona, I take home new inspiration, wonderful memories, and a piece of Italian joie de vivre.
To me, Verona is one of the most romantic cities in the world—perhaps even the true city of love. While many people immediately think of Paris, my heart belongs to Verona. The city has a very special magic: elegant squares, historic alleyways, and an atmosphere brimming with passion, art, and a zest for life.
I find Romeo and Juliet’s famous balcony particularly fascinating. I can’t help but smile every time I see the many couples in love taking photos there and dreaming of true love. It’s a place full of stories, emotions, and wonderful romance.
For me, however, the absolute highlight is the Verona Arena. As a pianist and musician, this place is simply overwhelming. The thought that music, opera, and profound emotions have been thrilling audiences here for nearly 2,000 years makes my heart race. The unique acoustics, the impressive architecture, and the special atmosphere under the starry sky make every visit an unforgettable experience.
Verona is a city that inspires, moves, and enchants. For me, it uniquely combines music, art, history, and love. Every time I leave Verona, I take home new inspiration, wonderful memories, and a piece of Italian joie de vivre.
My trip to Venice in the summer of 2025 was a very special experience for me and a source of deep inspiration. An unforgettable highlight was the rare opportunity to play a historic 16th-century keyboard instrument at the world-famous Aman Venice. The thought of being able to make music on an instrument whose sounds had already echoed through Venice’s magnificent halls centuries ago was simply overwhelming.
For me, Venice is far more than just a city—it is a living work of art. The play of light on the canals, the majestic palazzi, the quiet elegance of the narrow alleys, and the ever-present history create an atmosphere that sparks the imagination and touches the soul.
For a pianist in particular, Venice is a place full of magic. Every bridge, every square, and every view of the water seems to tell its own melody. The city inspires new musical ideas, stirs emotions, and bestows a creative energy that is almost impossible to put into words.
My trip to Venice in the summer of 2025 was a very special experience for me and a source of deep inspiration. An unforgettable highlight was the rare opportunity to play a historic 16th-century keyboard instrument at the world-famous Aman Venice. The thought of being able to make music on an instrument whose sounds had already echoed through Venice’s magnificent halls centuries ago was simply overwhelming.
For me, Venice is far more than just a city—it is a living work of art. The play of light on the canals, the majestic palazzi, the quiet elegance of the narrow alleys, and the ever-present history create an atmosphere that sparks the imagination and touches the soul.
For a pianist in particular, Venice is a place full of magic. Every bridge, every square, and every view of the water seems to tell its own melody. The city inspires new musical ideas, stirs emotions, and bestows a creative energy that is almost impossible to put into words.
Even the first few steps through the magnificent Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II are an experience in themselves. The impressive architecture, the elegant shops, and the stylish atmosphere give you the feeling of walking through a living work of art. Everywhere you go, you can sense the appreciation for beauty and aesthetics for which Milan is famous worldwide.
Of course, Milan is also the fashion capital of the world. But for me, as a musician, the heart of the city beats most strongly at the legendary Teatro alla Scala. This opera house is a place steeped in history, passion, and musical perfection. Every visit there is an unforgettable experience and a great source of inspiration.
What I especially love about Milan is its unique blend of tradition and modernity. Here, centuries-old culture and vibrant life come together at the highest level. People enjoy life, art, and music with a lightheartedness that’s contagious.
Even the first few steps through the magnificent Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II are an experience in themselves. The impressive architecture, the elegant shops, and the stylish atmosphere give you the feeling of walking through a living work of art. Everywhere you go, you can sense the appreciation for beauty and aesthetics for which Milan is famous worldwide.
Of course, Milan is also the fashion capital of the world. But for me, as a musician, the heart of the city beats most strongly at the legendary Teatro alla Scala. This opera house is a place steeped in history, passion, and musical perfection. Every visit there is an unforgettable experience and a great source of inspiration.
What I especially love about Milan is its unique blend of tradition and modernity. Here, centuries-old culture and vibrant life come together at the highest level. People enjoy life, art, and music with a lightheartedness that’s contagious.
Berlin captivated me in a very special way in the summer of 2025. This city has a unique energy—full of creativity, history, culture, and artistic inspiration.
An unforgettable highlight of my trip was Anna Netrebko’s live concert at the Gendarmenmarkt. As a pianist, it was a truly spine-tingling moment. Experiencing her voice live, feeling her incredible stage presence, and savoring the special atmosphere of this historic square was simply overwhelming. For a few hours, time seemed to stand still.
Berlin is a city that never ceases to surprise. Amid impressive architecture, world-famous museums, lively boulevards, and an extraordinary cultural scene, you encounter new ideas and creative impulses everywhere you turn. For artists in particular, Berlin is a place brimming with inspiration and possibilities.
What fascinates me most is the freedom of this city. Berlin encourages you to think big, break new ground, and give free rein to your creativity. Perhaps that is exactly why so many musicians, artists, and cultural figures from all over the world come here.
For me, Berlin will always be associated above all with that magical summer evening when Anna Netrebko enchanted the Gendarmenmarkt with her voice. A moment full of emotion, beauty, and musical perfection that I will never forget.
Berlin captivated me in a very special way in the summer of 2025. This city has a unique energy—full of creativity, history, culture, and artistic inspiration.
An unforgettable highlight of my trip was Anna Netrebko’s live concert at the Gendarmenmarkt. As a pianist, it was a truly spine-tingling moment. Experiencing her voice live, feeling her incredible stage presence, and savoring the special atmosphere of this historic square was simply overwhelming. For a few hours, time seemed to stand still.
Berlin is a city that never ceases to surprise. Amid impressive architecture, world-famous museums, lively boulevards, and an extraordinary cultural scene, you encounter new ideas and creative impulses everywhere you turn. For artists in particular, Berlin is a place brimming with inspiration and possibilities.
What fascinates me most is the freedom of this city. Berlin encourages you to think big, break new ground, and give free rein to your creativity. Perhaps that is exactly why so many musicians, artists, and cultural figures from all over the world come here.
For me, Berlin will always be associated above all with that magical summer evening when Anna Netrebko enchanted the Gendarmenmarkt with her voice. A moment full of emotion, beauty, and musical perfection that I will never forget.
For me as a pianist, Salzburg is a dream come true. Hardly any other city in the world exudes music, culture, and history as intensely as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Anyone who loves classical music simply must experience Salzburg.
Even just strolling through the picturesque alleys, you can feel the special atmosphere. Mozart’s spirit seems to hover over everything. For me, visiting Mozart’s birthplace on the famous Getreidegasse was an absolute highlight. To be honest, I could have spent hours there—maybe even the whole night. Every room, every exhibit, and every story about his life deeply moved and inspired me.
Salzburg is far more than a city—it is a musical Gesamtkunstwerk. The magnificent Old Town, the majestic fortress, the churches, and the squares form a backdrop that seems tailor-made for great composers and artists. Everywhere you go, you can feel the love for music and culture.
For me, Salzburg is a city of God for musicians. A place where creativity, beauty, and musical genius come together in a unique way. Every time I think of Salzburg, I’m filled with deep gratitude and enthusiasm. This city offers inspiration, energy, and the feeling of being just a little bit closer to music.
For me as a pianist, Salzburg is a dream come true. Hardly any other city in the world exudes music, culture, and history as intensely as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Anyone who loves classical music simply must experience Salzburg.
Even just strolling through the picturesque alleys, you can feel the special atmosphere. Mozart’s spirit seems to hover over everything. For me, visiting Mozart’s birthplace on the famous Getreidegasse was an absolute highlight. To be honest, I could have spent hours there—maybe even the whole night. Every room, every exhibit, and every story about his life deeply moved and inspired me.
Salzburg is far more than a city—it is a musical Gesamtkunstwerk. The magnificent Old Town, the majestic fortress, the churches, and the squares form a backdrop that seems tailor-made for great composers and artists. Everywhere you go, you can feel the love for music and culture.
For me, Salzburg is a city of God for musicians. A place where creativity, beauty, and musical genius come together in a unique way. Every time I think of Salzburg, I’m filled with deep gratitude and enthusiasm. This city offers inspiration, energy, and the feeling of being just a little bit closer to music.

























































