Julia Hagen

In the spotlight: questions for the artists in the »FAST LANE« series

On their first concert, dreams big and small, and helpful tips – questions for the musicians performing in the top series for young talents.

These artists are the stars of tomorrow, but they can all still remember their first performances clearly – whether that was on a school stage, alone or with siblings, and feeling nervous or relaxed. Young artists on formative experiences and bold dreams, inspirational teachers, and the art of turning down free alcohol on flights.

Once again in the 2023/24 season, the Elbphilharmonie presents top musicians that are on the springboard to a global career in its popular FAST LANE series. Six evenings crossing all genres offer insights into the future of music.

Samara Joy :Vocals

What was your first real performance that you remember?
My first real performance memory would be when I was around 10 years old singing a song in front of my class called »One Step at a Time« by Jordin Sparks.

Who was your first musical love?
My first musical love would have to be my father. I not only admired his original music and bass skills, but all the music he introduced to my siblings and I.

When did you know that you would like to do this professionally?
I knew I wanted to be a professional singer  when I was in middle school. I was participating in choir and musical theatre often. Although I loved other school subjects, I knew that singing was my passion. 

What were your biggest dreams back then? What are they now?
When I was a kid, my biggest dream might’ve been to be a singing scientist. Now, dreams I didn’t even fully recognize are unfolding in real time so my dream as of late is to continue the unexpectedly beautiful musical path that I’m on and see where it takes me.

Is life as a musician today the way you imagined it back then?
I imagined the life of a musician being pretty cool as a kid. Now I get to see the behind-the-scenes that goes into this work, which is not all easy but it’s worth it.

Your tip for young musicians?
Practice & stay curios and creative!

Samara Joy
Samara Joy © Meredith Truax

Randall Goosby :Violine

What was your first real performance that you remember?

I remember performing in a studio recital when I was 9 years old. It was for one of my first teachers Routa Kroumovitch-Gomez, at Stetson University in Daytona, FL. I only remember it because we arrived late, so I didn’t have time to warm up and I went straight from the car to the stage. It actually wasn’t too bad!

Who was your first musical love?
I don’t remember who came first — David Oistrakh or Bob Marley!

When did you know that you would like to do this professionally?
It was when I first attended the Perlman Music Program in 2011. I had never been surrounded by so many talented young musicians, and having the opportunity to hear them play, talk about music, and play together inspired me to pursue a career in music.

What were your biggest dreams back then? What are they now?
Back then, I still wanted to be a professional athlete! But my mother was very protective of my hands and I eventually gave up that dream. Now, it is my mission to create music education programs in areas that do not have regular access to classical music. I hope to share the joy that music has brought to my life with as many young people as possible!

Is life as a musician today the way you imagined it back then?
Honestly, when I was a kid I never thought much about what life would be like as an adult. It was so fun to be a kid! But I could never have imagined my life as it is now. I am so grateful to be able to travel the world playing beautiful music with wonderful people, eating delicious food, and playing golf everywhere I go!

Your tip for young musicians?
Make friends with those who share your passion, play music you love, and practice it slowly!

Randall Goosby
Randall Goosby © Kaupo Kikkas

Julia Hagen :Cello

What was your first real performance that you can remember?
It was with my siblings at Schloss Mirabell in Salzburg in 2005. My dad and my grandad had both given concerts there so it was naturally a very special experience for me.

What was your first musical love?
I remember being absolutely fascinated by the DVD of Jacqueline Du Pré playing the Elgar Concerto.

When did you know that you wanted to be a musician?
When I was 12, when I started with my new teacher Enrico Bronzi. I was infected by his passion for music and for the cello in such a way that I knew at that point that I wanted to do this forever.

What were your biggest dreams back then? And what are they now?
To play the Schubert Quintet with the Hagen Quartet (done). At the moment I am perfectly happy!

Is the musician life you’re living now as you imagined it back then?
I tend to always slide into situations fairly naively and unwittingly, and I never had any kind of concrete idea of what awaited me.

Any tips for young musicians?
Trust your gut instincts and stay true to yourselves!

Julia Hagen
Julia Hagen © privat
Julia Hagen
Julia Hagen © Simon Pauly

Alexander Ullman :Klavier

What was your first real performance that you remember?
The first musical performance I remember was at the age of four as part of a steel drum ensemble. To this day I wonder if, by ultimately choosing the piano, I forwent a thriving career as a Caribbean percussion instrument virtuoso.

Who was your first musical love?
Bach. My love for music started with the Anna Magdalena notebook.

When did you know that you would like to do this professionally?
As soon as I became aware people need jobs to survive and people sometimes want to pay to listen to piano music! I was still harbouring thoughts of studying something academic until the ripe old age of twelve however.

What were your biggest dreams back then? what are they now?
I don’t think I could imagine playing on a stage like Elbphilharmonie back then but my dreams now are to continue to do so for as long as my mind and fingers will allow me.

Is life as a musician today the way you imagined it back then?
There’s more time spent avoiding, with varying degrees of success, free inflight alcohol but otherwise I’d say it pretty much matches up.

Your tip for young musicians?
Don’t start drinking on flights. And integrity.

 

Alexander Ullmann
Alexander Ullmann © Matt Russell

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