Doing two extreme opposites, violin and Natural Sciences - this makes the music very special.
Catrina Pietralla is studying BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences at the University of Bath and has been awarded an Arts Scholarship for a second year. Catrina shares how she first encountered the world of music at the age of 4, which musicians inspire her and what she’s working on ahead of Platform, the annual arts scholarship showcase.
What is your background in your chosen art form?
I first encountered the world of music at the age of 4, through playing the recorder. I then started the violin at age 5 and have encountered many facets of playing music in various youth orchestras and chamber courses.
What are you working on ahead of Platform?
I am working together with Aitor, a piano player, and Pearson, a visual artist who specialises in painting on glass. While Aitor and I play some of Dvorak’s Romantic Pieces, Pearson is planning to show some of his paintings related to our piece. I played the piece to Pearson in our last practice session so that he knows what the piece feels like and to paint the atmosphere.
If you are collaborating with other students tell us a bit about the process and how it’s going?
I am collaborating with Aitor and Pearson. I began practicing with Aitor in October and have already made good contact with Pearson so we already have an idea of the music we will play.
Do you find any links between your creativity and your course?
Unfortunately, there are no links that I can find, although I would argue doing two extreme opposites, violin and Natural Sciences - this makes the music very special.
What/Who inspires, influences or drives you?
Joshua Fischer and all the old violin players like Menuhin, Oistrakh and Milstein inspire me a lot, as well as my experiences from my chamber course and youth orchestra of the Bavarian State Opera.
Do you have any other creative pursuits?
I like being creative with paintings or crotchet, it is very enjoyable and I believe that everyone has creativity.
We’d like to thank Margaret Dewey for their generous support for this Arts Scholarship.