Meet Helena, Pianist and Care Champion. We sat down with Helena to discover more about her love of piano and life at Allianz Care.
When did your passion for piano begin?
Do you have a favourite song or genre of music to play?
What’s your favourite memory of playing the piano?
So many memories... but there are two that really stand out.
The first being when I used to volunteer in a children’s refugees camp in Brussels called ‘Le Petit Château’. There was a piano in one of the rooms and one day some kids asked me to play, which I did, and suddenly two or three kids joined me at the piano. They were so excited and happy… I was amazed at the fact that these kids had almost nothing and how these little things made them happy. Definitely something I will never forget…
The other time was probably when I performed the ‘Prelude in C sharp minor’ at the university in London. Rachmaninov is known to be quite difficult to play, so I practiced for months to be able to perform this piece. So there I was, in front of the piano - my audience and I knew that I had worked months for that particular moment which lasts only a couple of minutes. When I finished, the feeling was almost indescribable, the sense of accomplishment that all of my hard work finally paid off.
We’ve seen music bring people together during the recent crisis and provide some much-needed joy. Do you play for friends or family?
In recent years I have begun to appreciate the act of playing an instrument as more of a meditative experience that allows me to reflect, relax and let my creativity flow. However, I really enjoy playing the piano with other people, especially with my brother that plays the violin. I look forward to the day when we can meet and play together again!
I’ve noticed many other positives during these strange times. People have started to appreciate more things in life that they have been taking for granted. Simple things like making more time for other people, to call them or to check up on them, as well as showing a great spirit of solidarity.