JAMES STRECKER: In what specific ways has COVID-19 changed your creative/artistic life in the arts?
CHRISTINA QUILICO: I believe that life in the arts will be changing for the next year. I will be teaching piano online, adjudicating, giving academic courses online.
JS: How creative are you feeling with COVID-19 on your mind?
CQ: I am finding it difficult to be as creative as I would like to be. Many of us are depressed not knowing whether our recordings will be happening soon and when our concerts will be rescheduled.
JS: In what specific ways has COVID-19 changed your personal life?
CQ: The good is that I keep in touch with my friends online more. My children and grandchildren are more available for Skype, FaceTime because they are always online now. Streets are quieter and wildlife is around more which I find comforting. The bad is that as artists we do crave more personal contact than online. Having discussions over a meal or a drink is much better than online. Listening to live music in a concert hall is thrilling. Online the sound is not as rich or vibrant. I am grateful for my dogs. Petting them gives my fingers a real touch. We need to experience that touch when we pianists play, and, let’s face it, piano keys are hard. We need to imagine something warm and vibrant.
JS: What are your primary worries, at this time, about the present situation in the arts because of COVID-19?
CQ: I am afraid that a lot of artists will not be able to survive financially and therefore not artistically. This is tragic because we need young talent to inspire us and keep the arts thriving.
JS: What are your primary worries about the future situation in the arts because of COVID-19?
CQ: As I said before, a lot of artists will have to find alternative ways to make a living. In Universities, a lot of part-time instructors will not be able to teach their regular number of hours. It will be very difficult for them. Online teaching is good during the present COVID crisis, but I am worried that it will become the norm. Nothing replaces real face to face teaching.
JS: What are you yourself doing to get through this time of crisis?
CQ: I am trying to get through as much paperwork as I can. I am also trying to learn all the repertoire (4 piano concertos and a concert of solo piano pieces) I need to perform and record so that when the crisis is over, I will be ready. I am also trying to rest and relax as much as I can. I never seem to find the time so some days I need to meditate.
JS: What are other creative/artistic people you know doing to get through this time of crisis?
CQ: My composer and performer friends are trying to continue with all their plans or make new plans if their concerts were cancelled. Battling negative thoughts has been difficult but we commiserate and support each other. Friendship is extremely important at this time.
JS: What are the saddest stories you’ve heard about creative/artistic people during this time of COVID-19?
CQ: I am trying not to read very sad stories. It becomes too depressing. If I know the artist who is suffering, I will try to reach out to talk. Losing jobs and questioning your artistic future is devastating.
JS: What are the most encouraging or inspiring stories you’ve heard about creative/artistic people during this time of COVID-19?
CQ: I hope that with age comes some wisdom. We must be positive and hopeful that the changes will help the arts in some new ways. Some of us are finding new creative inspirations in our lives. Having some extra time to reflect has been very good for a lot of us. Livestreaming like the Met Gala was absolutely wonderful and inspiring. Hopefully, the COC will do the same. It was exciting to watch and listen the Met stars sing from their hearts and homes.
JS: How can we support people in the arts during this difficult time?
CQ: Speak up as much as we can to keep the focus on how important the arts are and have been throughout the ages. Music feeds our souls and we need to keep reminding everyone of this. Great music has been written in the worst of times and has survived.
JS: Finally, what specifically can we do to support your life and work in the arts?
CQ: I would be very happy to have people listen to my CDs on Spotify. I also have hundreds of videos online on YouTube. Everything from Mozart, Grieg, Chopin, Liszt, opera, jazz, Southam and new music. That would help CD sales online and keep the record companies like Centrediscs, Naxos, and others. We don’t want to lose them and the support they give to Canadian music and artists.