Iva Bittova @ Purcell Room

PART OF THE PULSE FESTIVAL OF CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPEAN MUSIC

This date of the Pulse Festival, showcasing the best in Central and Eastern European music, features Czech violinist Iva Bittova at the Purcell Room.

Iva Bittova’s countryman Milan Kundera wrote how Europe’s ‘small nations’ form another Europe. But while the violinist-vocalist may be ‘small nation’ Czech, her musical worldview - along with her spontaneous, visionary creativity - acknowledges no borders.

“For many years, I have worked in a range of musical genres, including jazz, rock, classical and opera. Deciding on a name for my style of music is far from over yet. Whatever it is, many of my listeners have long considered it highly original. It has always been everyday life that inspired my music and interpretations. Its inspiration has been total silence and an absolutely positive atmosphere. Those are the most important conditions and surroundings in which when my ideas spring into life. I believe they have a significant impact on my music.

“The violin accompanies me all the time. Everything around me is under its influence. There are difficult pieces to practice from which I gain discipline, confidence, and self–control – and a healthy measure of doubt. The violin is a mirror reflecting my dreams and imagination. I believe there are fundamentals to my performance, such as the music’s vibration and resonance between violin and my voice. Their ‘symphony’ leads me on to perfection, even though I know it never can be attained”.

Date: Wednesday 10th June 2009
Time: 7:45pm
Location: Purcell Room, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX
Tickets: £13 from http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk

pulse-festival.com