The Glasshouse

Catch violinist Alena Baeva at BBC Proms at The Glasshouse on Friday 26 July. It will be her first time performing at BBC Proms, and we’re happy it’s in the North East. We chatted with Alena to discover her connection with BBC Proms and Sibelius’s Violin Concerto.

What’s your earliest memory of BBC Proms?

This will be my first time performing at the BBC Proms. I’ve listened to some Proms concerts over the years when I was in the UK at the same time as the festival. One particularly memorable moment was listening to Alina Ibragimova performing solo Bach at the Royal Albert Hall. This concert truly expanded my image of what the violin can do; it was an incredibly special atmosphere.

Are there any pieces of music or concerts from past Proms events that are especially meaningful to you?

As I mentioned already, Alina Ibragimova’s solo Bach at the BBC Proms was profound for me. Another extraordinary memory I have was Pekka Kuusisto’s folk encore from the Royal Albert Hall: a great example of the freedom I believe we should all aim for.

When was the last time you played with Royal Northern Sinfonia or in the North East of England?

I was supposed to debut with Royal Northern Sinfonia in June 2022 but sadly withdrew from the engagement as my UK visa did not arrive in time. I’ve worked with Dinis Sousa previously, and I thoroughly admire and enjoy his way of making music. I’m greatly looking forward to my concert at The Glasshouse with Dinis and the orchestra now, and what a pleasure it is to do this together as part of the BBC Proms festival.

You’re playing Sibelius’s Violin Concerto, renowned as one of the world’s most thrilling pieces for violin. What makes this piece so remarkable?

The Sibelius Violin Concerto is a great masterpiece. It’s particularly expressive and intense, with clear and captivating musical ideas. The orchestral colours are shown at the extremes – from a whisper to an abundant storm, with the dramatic story unfolding. In this epic journey, the violin plays the role of a hero. This concerto contains some of the most challenging, brilliant and impressive violin writing, and for me, it is always a joy to perform.

What personal connection do you have to the music you’re playing at BBC Proms at The Glasshouse?

I started learning the concerto at age 12 and played it for an exam on my 13th birthday. I consider it the beginning of entering a new phase in my relationship with music and the violin: more deeply focused and inspired, with deeper maturity. I started to understand what music is about. I’m very grateful to the Sibelius Concerto for encouraging my growth throughout the years – this piece empowered me and shaped my early artistic explorations quite unlike any other.

How do you prepare your mind and emotions for such important events, and do you have any routines to help you stay focused?

I like to walk before a concert, have something nice to eat, and try to be well-rested. This piece is so much in my fingers and my heart that, to be honest, I don’t view it as a challenge to play but more like a feast; it’s a special pleasure to share with the audience.

What do you hope the audience take away from your performance at The Glasshouse?

I hope they’re whisked away from the questions of daily life for a moment and transported into his unique sound world. I’d love them to be completely taken by the music and return to normal life changed, inspired, and refreshed. Music can be uniquely powerful like this.

What advice do you have for young musicians who dream of performing at the BBC Proms one day?

Always be curious and believe in yourself! Challenge yourself, laugh, surprise your teacher, read, listen, think, be kind, and life will be more rewarding than you could ever imagine.