FREE FORM | Alexander Boldachev on expanding the harp

Few musicians have redefined audience expectations like harpist Alexander Boldachev. A virtuoso, composer, arranger, and entrepreneur, he bridges musical worlds rarely brought together from rock to Ravel. Artist Playbook spoke with the World Harp Day and Zurich Harp Festival founder about expanding an instrument’s range, challenging assumptions, and why the harp’s greatest possibilities lie ahead. […]

DOUBLE VISION | Nikita Naumov on giving the bass a voice of its own

Nikita Naumov entered professional orchestral life in Kazakhstan at 14, before continuing his musical journey through St. Petersburg and London. Now Principal Double Bass of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, he is one of the field’s rising figures. Artist Playbook caught up with Naumov to explore the ideas shaping his musical life. “A musician’s identity […]

STRING THEORY | Amalie Stalheim on the art of collaboration

Amalie Stalheim is one of Scandinavia’s most buzzed-about rising artists as a soloist and chamber musician. Artist Playbook caught up with the Norwegian cellist to explore the process of on-stage collaboration. “Preparing gives the freedom to be spontaneous on stage” How did you beginyour musical journey? I was first drawn to the cello’s sheer power.I […]