In this mini-series, the LGT Young Soloists answer three questions about the beginnings of their musical careers, their highlights and the challenges they've faced. This week, we're talking to cellist Tara Stranegger.
It wasn’t as though I’d always wanted to be a cellist. Before the cello, I started out on the piano. My mother is a pianist, so the instrument seemed like the natural choice to me. When I played the piano in a competition for the first time, I heard a cellist in the final – that’s when I knew what I wanted to be. I was eight years old at the time. I nagged my mum until she arranged a lesson for me with a cello teacher. I fell in love with the instrument at my very first lesson, especially its warm sound.
I think the hardest thing for young musicians is not to lose patience. To stop constantly comparing yourself to others. And to keep working consistently every day. With so many brilliant talents out there, it can be hard to believe in yourself. There’s a lot of competition, especially when you’re young. But through the LGT Young Soloists, I’ve learnt that the best way to make progress is by supporting one another: together, we push ourselves to new heights. Within the ensemble, we have a fantastic relationship with one another. We want the best for one another, and I’m firmly convinced that it’s precisely this dynamic that helps us find fresh motivation every day. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by so many talented people, and it spurs me on to work even harder so that I can continue to be part of this wonderful group.
One of the greatest highlights of performing with the LGT Young Soloists is getting to know musicians from all over the world and working with them. Being surrounded by people from different cultures and with different backgrounds has taught me a great deal, both musically and personally. As I have always been interested in European culture and dreamt of studying in Europe, these experiences were particularly significant and have shaped both my playing and my outlook.
If I had to choose one unforgettable concert experience, it would be the performance at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg. The hall itself is breathtaking, and the acoustics from the stage are incredible. Performing there in front of a sold-out audience of 2,500 and hearing the applause all around me was an unforgettable moment and definitely one of my greatest highlights.
Founded in 2013, the LGT Young Soloists bring together outstanding young string players from over 15 countries. The ensemble offers a unique platform for international performances and enables these young musicians to develop their stage presence and gain professional experience at an early stage. Find out more about the ensemble here.
The Austrian cellist Tara Stranegger (born 2003) made her debut at the age of eleven. Find out more about her career here.
At LGT, we create platforms that give up-and-coming talent visibility, experience and self-confidence at an early stage. Our commitment is based on a firm conviction: excellence takes time – and potential flourishes where opportunities meet guidance.
