In conversation, Ukrainian concert pianist Anna Fedorova is controlled, which belies the expressive style with which she usually plays. Her disposition is unfailingly sweet, and the hint of a kind smile is ever-present—but her face is also understandably lined with stress and sadness, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
As a follow-up to her 2020 album featuring Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 1, Preludes, and “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini,” the Ukrainian-born Fedorova will be releasing the other Rachmaninoff Piano Concertos later this year and in early 2023. At the moment, however, the 32-year-old is channeling all her talents and focus into humanitarian aid. Fedorova turned tour dates in Poland and Romania into benefits, and has organized a series of fundraising concerts for Ukrainian relief organizations.
Fedorova and I talked about her family life, her charitable push in this moment of maximum uncertainty, and her impression of the cultural boycotts being levied against contemporary performers as well as, in some cases, long-dead Russian composers.
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