Petra Sittig

In this episode of The Artist’s Voice, I speak with Rachel Ashwell, designer, author, and founder of the iconic Shabby Chic. Rachel shares stories of her childhood in England, growing up surrounded by antiques through her father’s work as a dealer, and the gentle artistry of her mother, who restored antique dolls and bears. These early influences shaped her deep appreciation for beauty, history, and the poetry of imperfection. We talk about her early career in costume and prop styling, and how this creative foundation later informed her distinctive aesthetic. In a pivotal chapter of her life, as a single mother of two young children, Rachel opened a small shop, a moment that would lead to the birth of Shabby Chic. Her vision was simple yet profound: to create furniture and linens that were both beautiful and child-friendly, spaces that could be lived in fully and lovingly. Rachel speaks openly about the early years of building her business through trial and error, and how determination carried her through every challenge. She also shares the story behind the name “Shabby Chic,” and how it reflects not only a design philosophy, but her personality and way of seeing the world. Now releasing her 12th book, Meadow Manor, Rachel offers insight into this latest project and what it represents at this stage of her life. We also touch on motherhood, what her children have learned from her journey, and the deeper meaning behind creating a home. For Rachel, Shabby Chic is more than a design style — it is about memory, authenticity, and making a home wherever you find yourself. This conversation is filled with warmth, wisdom, and quietly powerful business insights woven through a life lived creatively. Meadow Manor https://a.co/d/02x0kPfs https://www.shabbychic.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq8-XUtRIE2KbBWgt51HHHmmFlhCR21PrpLr3u2m9ByewSU1IrQ https://www.shabbychic.com/blogs/rachel-ashwell-shabby-chic-couture-official-blog-amp-news/title?srsltid=AfmBOopt3hChAQz1C9miT3opRtQ6iK_jboyhDoLgF8pwppdafB8Yk698

In this interview, I speak with German banjo player Konstanze Wunderle, who shares the story of how she first fell in love with the unique and captivating sound of the banjo. Drawn to its character from the very beginning, Konstanze reflects on what inspired her to pick up the instrument and follow its musical path. She takes us on a journey through the rich and complex history of the banjo, tracing its roots back to West African instruments and its evolution in America. From early gourd banjos crafted by enslaved people to the development of various modern forms, including the five-string banjo commonly used in bluegrass, the four-string tenor and plectrum banjos popular in jazz, Konstanze highlights how each style carries its own voice and tradition. The banjo’s sound, she explains, holds a raw sincerity, deeply connected to its origins. Reflecting on its history, particularly its use among enslaved communities in America, she speaks about the emotional power of music born from hardship and resilience. Konstanze also shares her personal journey to the United States, where she immersed herself in the heart of banjo culture, playing alongside local musicians to deepen her understanding and refine her craft. It was there that she truly connected with the spirit of the instrument. Together with her husband, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Joe Wunderle, she performs and tours across America and Europe, bringing their music to diverse audiences. In recent years, Konstanze has also begun exploring the bass, discovering a new dimension to her musical expression and a fresh connection to rhythm and groove. This is a warm and inspiring conversation with a dedicated musician who followed her passion across continents — a German artist who found her musical home in Nashville while carrying the soulful voice of the banjo wherever she plays.

In this fascinating and deeply insightful interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with composer and conductor Nimrod Borenstein about his latest recording, released at the end of March. Conducting the English Chamber Orchestra, Nimrod brings to life a beautiful and evocative program featuring Shakespeare Songs, a Mandolin Concerto, and an Oboe Concerto. The recording showcases an exceptional lineup of artists, including soprano Sarah Fox, mandolinist Alon Sariel, and oboist Sanja Romic, all under Nimrod’s own direction. During our conversation, Nimrod shares the inspiration behind his music, speaking passionately about his desire to create beauty through composition—something that lies at the very heart of his artistic vision. He offers wonderful insight into his writing process, particularly his love for the mandolin, whose unique tone and expressive qualities continue to inspire him as a composer. We also delve into the striking artwork featured on the album cover, which holds special personal meaning: it is a painting by his father, Alec Borenstein. This connection adds another layer of depth to the project, blending music and visual art in a truly meaningful way. This interview offers a rare glimpse into Nimrod’s creative world—his influences, his philosophy, and the stories behind his works. He also shares his aspirations for the future, including his wish to compose an opera in the near future. A rich and inspiring conversation that sheds light on a composer dedicated to beauty, expression, and artistic connection. https://www.nimrod-borenstein.com

In this conversation, I speak with choir conductor Sinhaeng Lee, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Programs at Colgate University, as well as the founder and artistic director of Vox Amicis, a professional ensemble based in Seoul, South Korea. Sinhaeng shares his rich experience working with a wide range of choirs—from youth ensembles to professional singers—and reflects on a particularly meaningful collaboration between the Colgate University Choir and the Hamilton College Choir, alongside Director Charlotte Botha. He offers a glimpse into the artistic exchange and energy that made this joint project so memorable. We also explore the fascinating parallels and distinctions between conducting choirs and orchestras, as Sinhaeng reveals how each demands a unique approach while ultimately serving the same musical purpose. A part of our discussion centers on his journey from Korea to the United States. Sinhaeng speaks candidly about the challenges of adapting—not only to a new language and culture, but also to a transformed mindset as a conductor. He shares how his perspective evolved from striving for technical perfection toward embracing the emotional core of music-making. For Sinhaeng, choral conducting is not just about perfect pitch and rhythm—it’s about connection, intention, and the powerful act of expressing music from the heart to the audience. The Inspiration by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

In this inspiring conversation, I talk with pencil artist Vincent Reid, who lives and works in Howick, a small town in the Midlands of South Africa known for its vibrant and ever-growing art and music scene. Vincent reflects on his creative journey, beginning with his art education in Zimbabwe and his early career as an interior designer, before courageously transitioning into life as a full-time artist after relocating from Durban to Howick. Deeply connected to nature, Vincent shares how his artistic process begins outdoors—immersing himself in the raw beauty of wildlife and natural surroundings. These lived experiences become the foundation for his intricate pencil drawings, which capture not only physical detail but also a profound sense of presence and emotion. One of the most touching aspects of his process is his decision to draw the eyes of his subjects last—a deeply personal reward that brings each piece to life and marks the emotional completion of his work. Beyond visual art, Vincent is also a passionate musician, actively contributing to the local music scene alongside his daughter. Together, they are part of a creative community that thrives on collaboration, connection, and mutual support. Vincent speaks with genuine enthusiasm about Howick as a place where art and music intersect, and he expresses a heartfelt desire to see more young people inspired to explore their creativity. https://reidstudios.co.za https://lovecities.org.za

In this inspiring episode of The Artist’s Voice, I speak with Anna Katharina Jakobi, a multi-instrumentalist from Cologne, currently studying at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. Anna Katharina shares her journey as a young musician deeply committed to both performance and academia. Alongside her studies in Music Education, she is also pursuing Musicology, driven by a genuine curiosity about how music is perceived, understood, and contextualized. We talk about her passion for teaching and why she believes music and the arts must remain an essential part of the education system. Our conversation also touches on her enriching experience as part of an exchange program at the Royal College of Music in London, where she gained new artistic perspectives and international insight into musical training. Anna Katharina speaks beautifully about her love of performing and making music, balanced equally with her enthusiasm for research and academic exploration. Recently, she has spent more time at the organ and recounts the special story of how she received her first opportunity to play the church organ — a meaningful moment that opened a new musical chapter for her. This was such a warm and uplifting conversation, touching on so many of Anna Katharina’s passions and interests. A truly inspiring dialogue with a thoughtful and dedicated young musician.

In this episode of The Artist’s Voice, I had the great pleasure of speaking with John Yao, a 2025 Guggenheim Fellow in Music Composition and one of the premier trombonists, composers, and arrangers on the New York City jazz scene. John shares the story of how he first picked up the trombone and how his deep love for jazz began to take shape. From his early musical curiosity to immersing himself in the vibrant jazz tradition, he reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his artistic path. He speaks candidly about discovering his voice not only as a performer but also as a composer — and how saying “yes” to opportunities, collaborations, and creative challenges helped him grow into the artist he is today. We dive into his compositional process, the transition from interpreting music to creating it, and the responsibility and freedom that come with writing for both small ensembles and large groups. As a masterful bandleader, John has released six albums, each showcasing his distinctive musical language, rich textures, and thoughtful arrangements. John speaks about the ultimate reward of composing: the joy of hearing fellow musicians truly enjoy playing his music. For him, that shared musical energy — the connection between composer and performer — is what makes the creative journey meaningful. This was a thoughtful and engaging conversation offering genuine insight into John Yao’s work as a composer, trombonist, and artistic leader. His dedication to craft, collaboration, and the evolving language of jazz shines through in every part of this interview. A truly wonderful discussion with an artist who continues to shape the contemporary jazz landscape with integrity, vision, and heart. https://www.johnyao.com/bio The Inspiration by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

In this inspiring conversation, I speak with Laura Köönikkä, founder and CEO of Confidants, about her journey between the art world and the business world. Laura shares how discovering art through her childhood nanny shaped her early understanding that art could be a career. Although she explored music and theatre growing up, she always knew she would not become an artist herself. Instead, her path led her to study art history and work on exhibitions, where she gained deep insight into how contemporary artists think and create. As a qualified coach working with musicians and creatives, Laura recognised how much the business world can learn from artists — especially their courage, resilience, and dedication to the creative process. We also talk about the importance of bringing people together and why real-life connection is essential for growth and learning. A warm and motivating conversation about creativity, leadership, and the powerful stories artists have to share. https://www.confidants.fi/about

In this interview I speak with Emma Davies, a dancer currently based in Vienna and part of Blue box’s in house annual contemporary dance program, a program that brings together emerging dancers and renowned guest artists in an environment dedicated to training, creation, research, and performance. Emma shares her journey growing up in Barcelona, where her love for dance began very early. She started ballet at the age of three at her local ballet school, initially driven by joy and curiosity, before gradually taking it more seriously. This path led her to a ballet conservatoire in Barcelona, where a pivotal influence entered her life, her ballet teacher. Emma speaks with great appreciation about this mentor, who helped her not only refine her technique but also understand and recognise the dancer she was meant to become, shaping her both artistically and personally. Her journey continued at the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, where Emma discovered her deep love for contemporary dance. It was there that she experienced the power of creative freedom, exploration, and expression, and where collaboration became central to her artistic identity. Emma reflects on the importance of working alongside other dancers, learning from one another, and feeding off the collective energy that emerges when artists share space, ideas, and movement. This sense of collaboration is something she is experiencing again at bluebox in Vienna. Dancers from different backgrounds, disciplines, and stages of their careers come together, creating a rich and motivating environment. Emma speaks about how inspiring it is to be surrounded by such diversity, where dancers challenge, support, and uplift each other daily. For her, the reward is found not only on stage, but also in the studio, in the ongoing process of movement, self reflection, and continuous improvement. A central message that runs through Emma’s story is the value of trust. Trust in the work you have put in, trust in your training, and trust that opportunities will come when the time is right. Emma shares how she is seeing this more and more in her own career, that by staying committed, open, and trusting, doors begin to open in unexpected ways. I found this interview deeply inspiring. Emma is a young dancer whose passion for movement is unmistakable, and whose understanding of the long term process of growth, patience, and perseverance is remarkably grounded. Her story is a beautiful reminder of what it means to stay motivated, to keep trusting the journey, and to continue showing up fully for the work.

In this interview, I speak with Corinna Kühnapfel, a cognitive scientist and neuroaesthetics researcher whose work explores how we experience art through the body. Corinna shares how her fascination with science began in early childhood, dreaming of becoming an astronaut, joining a physics after-school club, and joyfully experimenting with science toolkits at home. Alongside this scientific curiosity, she also took piano and art classes, nurturing a deep appreciation for creativity and the arts from a young age. This early blend of science and art shaped her academic path. After beginning her studies in cognitive science, Corinna moved into neuroaesthetics, driven by a desire to understand how art is perceived, felt, and embodied. As part of a Horizon 2020 project (2020–2023), she completed her PhD investigating bodily experiences with installation art, movement within gallery spaces, and how individual differences in body awareness and physiological responses influence emotional art experiences. In our conversation, we discuss her research conducted in art galleries, where observing how people move around artworks revealed insights into attention, interest, and engagement. She also reflects on research inspired by an exhibition of Tomás Saraceno, highlighting how immersive artworks invite bodily participation rather than passive viewing. Corinna is currently a Postdoctoral researcher at the Arts and Minds Lab at the Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Originally from Germany, she was also the first visiting researcher in Matthew’s research group in Vienna, joining on an Erasmus fellowship to work on an fNIRS hyperscanning and drawing project, which later became the topic of her Master’s thesis. We also talk about the deep connections between art and science, and why it is essential for children to be exposed to both scientific thinking and diverse forms of artistic expression in schools—encouraging curiosity, creativity, and embodied ways of knowing the world.

In this inspiring conversation, drummer and composer Joshua Manus shares his musical journey from his early beginnings in Nigeria to building a professional career in Dubai. Joshua reflects on growing up in a deeply musical environment, where the church played a crucial role in shaping his path. Like many Nigerian musicians, his first real opportunity to play music came through church, a space that not only nurtured his talent but also instilled discipline, community, and a strong musical foundation from a young age. He speaks warmly about the influence of his brother, also a musician, who became his earliest inspiration and motivator. Those formative experiences left a lasting imprint on Joshua, and even after relocating to Dubai, he has never lost touch with his musical roots. Instead, he carries them with him, allowing his background to inform both his playing and his approach to music-making. Joshua opens up about entering the music scene in Dubai, describing it as a place full of possibilities for freelance musicians who are versatile, open-minded, and willing to put in the work. He talks honestly about the opportunities available, as well as the importance of adaptability, professionalism, and networking in a fast-paced and diverse music environment. Since moving to Dubai, Joshua has also begun to take his work as a composer more seriously. He shares the story behind his composition “God’s Creation”, explaining how the piece developed organically and how collaboration with other musicians helped bring the music to life. The process reflects his belief in collective creativity and the power of collaboration to elevate a musical idea into something truly special. Beyond performing and composing, Joshua speaks passionately about teaching. He explains how much he values passing on knowledge and how, even in a student’s early lessons, he can often sense their potential. Teaching, for him, is not just about technique but about nurturing confidence, discipline, and a love for music. Joshua also reflects on the obstacles he faced on his path to formally studying music. Rather than discouraging him, these challenges helped shape his resilience and ultimately made him the musician he is today. He emphasizes the importance of versatility, playing across many genres, and staying open to different musical styles — a mindset that has created more opportunities and longevity in his career. More than anything, this interview reveals Joshua Manus as not only a highly skilled drummer and composer, but also a grounded and generous human being. He deeply understands that music transcends borders, cultures, and languages — and that at its core, music brings people together. His story is one of perseverance, faith, collaboration, and a lifelong commitment to the universal language of music.

In this heartfelt conversation, I speak with Romanian pianist Miruna Maciuca from Bucharest about her lifelong relationship with the piano, which began at a very young age. She reflects on the importance of her early teacher, who helped her recognise and develop her individual strengths, and on her studies in Venice, where her artistic path continued to unfold. I am deeply grateful to her piano professor, Igor Cognolato, who introduced Miruna to me and whose guidance and support have been instrumental in her artistic development. Miruna speaks with remarkable maturity and clarity about her journey as a musician, particularly about one of her greatest achievements to date: a monumental concert project realised in November. After a year of intense preparation, countless rehearsals, 330 pages of memorised music and nearly three hours of performance, Miruna brought to life a dream inspired by history—almost 100 years after Jeanne-Marie Darré performed all five Saint-Saëns piano concertos in a single evening. Supported by friends, loved ones, mentors and an outstanding musical team, this project became, in her words, “the most beautiful night of my life and the most important project I have done so far.” She shares profound gratitude for everyone involved in this unique cultural and emotional journey and reflects on the spiritual dimension of music-making: “That’s what music makes of us; it reminds us that we’re alive, not just existing.” For Miruna, music is deeply connected to belief, divinity, and the idea of something greater than ourselves—and to the responsibility of offering something meaningful and new to the audience. We also speak about her love of communicating directly with listeners. Miruna believes that musicians who have had the privilege of studying music carry a responsibility to share knowledge and context, helping audiences connect more deeply with what they hear. For her, it is never about applause, but about the possibility of truly touching people through music. She values curiosity beyond music as well, believing that learning about the world shapes and enriches an artist’s voice. This was a truly moving and inspiring conversation. I deeply admire Miruna’s understanding of music’s power, her respect for the audience, and her awareness of her role as a musician—to serve the music, to share beauty, and to create meaningful connection. Interview with Igor Cognalato https://youtu.be/VtIZdSAteGw

In this interview, I speak with Vienna-based flutist Pablo Carpio Hernández, who grew up in Spain and began playing the flute at school—an early encounter that quickly grew into a deep and lasting passion. This love for the instrument led him to Vienna, where he studied flute at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw), one of Europe’s leading music institutions. Pablo reflects on the transition from student life to working as a professional freelance musician, speaking openly about the challenges of becoming your own teacher: learning to recognise where corrections are needed, while also giving yourself acknowledgment for progress and achievements. He shares thoughtful insights into the physical demands of being a flutist, particularly the central role of breath and physical wellbeing. While listening to one’s body and knowing when to rest is essential, Pablo also discusses the reality that musicians cannot always stop playing when they are not feeling at their best—and how to navigate this balance without letting limitations define you. We talk about his strong connection to classical music, especially the Romantic period and French repertoire, as well as his enjoyment of contemporary music, which he approaches as a different musical language with its own rules, sounds, and mindset. As a flute teacher, Pablo speaks about how his own learning journey allows him to deeply understand his students, meet them where they are, and encourage them with empathy and clarity. He also reflects on his collaborations and concert experiences over the past year, offering insight into his evolving career as a performer. It was once again a pleasure to talk to Pablo. His genuine love for music and the flute is unmistakable, and this conversation offers a thoughtful and inspiring look into his development as both a flutist and a teacher.