The third youngest of the prodigiously musical Kanneh-Mason family, 22-year-old Jeneba releases her debut album ‘Fantasie’ on the Sony Classical label on 7th March. From Claude Debussy, Frédéric Chopin and Alexander Scriabin to Florence Price, Margaret Bonds and William Grant Still, Jeneba presents a programme which is also very personal to her as an artist. “I’ve always loved coming up with quite complex programmes which flow really nicely from one piece to the other, and all these works mean a lot to me,” she says. “By gathering them here for my debut album, I am not only revealing more of myself as a musician but also sharing the very different styles of music I grew up listening to.”
Jeneba Kanneh-Mason © Johanna Berghorn/Sony Classical
Ahead of the album release, we caught up with Jeneba to find out more about her musical life, her influences and inspirations, and highlights of her burgeoning professional career.
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in music?
I was inspired by my siblings playing music all around the house. I was surrounded by music from a very young age so it was very natural for me to take up the piano. I also remember my Dad would show me lots of videos of pianists on YouTube, in particular, Krystian Zimerman playing Chopin’s Ballades.
Who or what have been the most important influences on your musical life and career?
Jeneba Kanneh-Mason siblings
Yuja Wang has been a big influence on my career and motivation. As a teenager I watched a lot of her videos and went to see her perform as often as I could. Her consistency and dedication have inspired me the most and I’ve always been impressed by her boldness to be completely herself.
What have been the greatest challenges of your career so far?
I think some of my biggest challenges so far are the transitions; for instance, getting into senior college or my first big concert – I am learning how to navigate each change as it happens.
Which performances are you most proud of?
One of the performances I’m most proud of is when I played Ravel’s Concerto in G major when I was about 15 or 16. I was so very nervous the day before, and then when I went on stage, I felt totally connected and excited about playing the piece. My nerves vanished and I just knew I could do it… I’m also proud of my recent performance at Classic FM Live at the Royal Albert Hall, where I played Rachmaninoff Concerto No. 2, as I felt as if I was stepping into my own spotlight, which was exciting.
Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No.2 – Jeneba Kanneh-Mason
Which particular works do you think you perform best?
I love performing Chopin, and I think it’s because I now find his music very familiar. I have been playing his music for a while, and that gives me confidence in how I might approach a piece of his that’s new to me and my own interpretation of it. I’m also at a stage where I am coming back to works that I played at a very young age, which is interesting!
Frédéric Chopin: Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor – II. Scherzo
How do you make your repertoire choices from season to season?
It’s always a challenge when I am trying to come up with new programmes but it’s a challenge I really enjoy. Very often, it’s in conversations with my piano teacher. We always have audiences in mind and what we think would be the most engaging from one piece to the next, but also thinking about which pieces complement each other well.
Do you have a favourite concert venue to perform in and why?
Yes, I would say that my favourite venue to date is the Nottingham Concert Hall. It’s in my home town, the reception is always very warm, the acoustic is wonderful too, and of course, I have performed on that stage many times.
What is your most memorable concert experience?
I would say the BBC Proms 2021. The scale of the Royal Albert Hall, the audience, the whole Festival – it’s an extraordinary experience!
What do you consider to be the most important ideas and advice to impart to aspiring musicians?
Stay interested and inspired. Try to absorb as much of the industry as possible as there is so much that is now accessible, not only live concerts but the online world as well. It all helps with learning and gaining experience by watching and listening to others.
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