Backstage: Sol Gabetta

Do you have a lucky charm?

When I was younger, I always thought that a lucky charm would, well, bring good luck. By now I believe that mental harmony is more down to the combination of experience and inner calm. When you’re on stage, having to find your focus and deal with nerves, it’s your experience that helps you maintain your inner balance.

Are you more nervous or more gregarious?

Probably more of a nervous wreck. My head and my whole energy never keep still and are forever driving me on. I’m constantly thinking up new ideas and projects. Fortunately, I have an inner calm that allows things to take their natural course and gives them the time they need.

Major or minor?

I am definitely Sol Maggiore.

If you were feeling peckish, what would you choose from the snack machine backstage in the Isarphilharmonie?

I’ve often seen it, but never used it. If I didn’t have any food with me, I’d probably go for dark chocolate.

What’s the first thing you do after the final applause, after leaving the stage?

The first thing I do is take care of my cello, because backstage it’s usually cramped and risky for the valuable instruments. It’s a very nice moment when you come off stage; so full of energy. Then I enjoy coming down and the feeling of joy.

Read our article, Behind the Scenes: From Plan to Performance, with Sol Gabetta and Patricia Kopatchinskaja.