Petronel Malan, a multiple Grammy Award nominee and gold medalist of several international piano competitions, is Young Texas Artists’ 1998 Gold Medalist in Piano.
She recently spoke with us about her career and her memories of competing with YTA.
What are some of your favorite memories of competing with YTA?
I remember that I had just returned from Singapore the week before and was a little jet-lagged! I went to the contest with a Spanish friend, and we played each other’s second piano/orchestra parts.
One thing that stands out for me was the beautiful piano that was provided. Pianists are always grateful when competitions give us responsive instruments — so, a huge thank you to the presenters.
We had to play a solo portion and a concerto, and I played Tschaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1.
How would you say your experience with YTA impacted you?
I was working on my DMA at the University of North Texas at the time, studying with Joseph Banowetz. We were all very grateful to have a competition where you could compete driving distance away, you didn’t have to miss any classes, and you completed all in a day.
Receiving feedback from other music professionals (and a little extra money for your studies), is always good encouragement.
What have been some of the more memorable moments of your music career so far? Why were they meaningful to you?
I never really had any specific life plan, but I have been blessed with so much more than I could ever even imagine.
I still maintain a quite busy touring schedule, scheduled only in certain months in the U.S. I am based in the U.S. but fly to my native country, South Africa, two or three times a year for an extended visit to spend time with my parents and family.
What are your goals from here?
Just to continue learning and exploring.
Please tell us what you enjoy doing for fun or to relax. Do you have any hobbies?
I collect vintage evening gowns, which I wear for my concerts. I am always visiting estate sales and charity shops to see what I can find. When someone’s grandma passes away, the gowns are often just donated. My fantastic seamstress creates miracles to alter these gowns so they fit me.
My collection starts in the 1930s when long, bias-cut crepe gowns came into fashion. I have vintage gowns by Halston, Givenchy, Armani, Philip Hulitar, Victor Costa, Fred Perlberg, and many more. One bedroom in my house is converted to a clothing-only room.
Please tell us about your musical tastes. Have they changed over the years? How?
I listen to absolutely everything! I’m not too picky. On road trips, the rule in the car is usually that the driver gets to decide what we hear so I think I’ve listened to just about anything out there!
What advice would you offer young artists who are just starting their music careers?
Everyone walks a different path. Don’t compare yourself to others. Keep your head down and do your work and the path you’re meant to walk will follow.
Don’t be too set in the way you imagine your life to be, because what the universe has in store for you might be even more wonderful than you could ever imagine.