In the last couple of years, I had the amazing experience of listening to two top living women pianists whose recordings shaped the musician within me.

The first on my list was the lioness herself — Martha Argerich. I had initially planned to see her live in Vienna at the Musikverein in February 2020, but then COVID happened, and the concert was postponed. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever get another chance to see her live, but the opportunity came again on 7th March 2023 — my late 40th birthday present.

Not only was it Argerich performing, but also Daniel Barenboim conducting. We managed to get quite good, close seats overlooking the stage, and I have to admit, I was very emotional seeing my childhood hero live and so close by. It was extra special to hear her play Liszt’s Piano Concerto No.1 in E-flat major — a piece I had played during my conservatory years.

And what made it even more unforgettable? An encore played by Argerich and Barenboim together. Not long after that, Barenboim stopped performing due to health issues. That moment felt like a precious snapshot in time. A takeaway from a live concert is this: our heroes are human — and we tend to forget that when we listen to clean, polished recordings. At a live performance, things happen. Not every note is perfect, and that’s so important to remember as a performer. You can aspire to perfection, admire your heroes, and want to be like them — but at the end of the day, on stage, we are all human. Performers and audience alike. And that live connection, that magic, is truly something special.

Another magical moment came more recently — at the beginning of March 2025. I attended a concert by Maria João Pires at the National Concert Hall in Madrid, where she performed both solo and four-hands with her protégé, Ignasi Cambra. They presented pieces by Schubert and Haydn. Even more amazing? Cambra is blind, yet his accuracy and exquisite playing could make any pianist envious.

Pires is a completely different artist compared to Argerich. She creates an intimate atmosphere, full of contemplation, silence, time, and space. Argerich, on the other hand, is more energetic and fiery. Each of them chooses repertoire that suits their unique character — Pires now often performs solo or in chamber music settings, while Argerich frequently plays with orchestra or in collaborative chamber performances.

So what did it mean to me to hear them live? I was raised with their recordings. I remember getting a double CD of Chopin’s Nocturnes by Pires and being absolutely mesmerised. Another favourite of mine was Argerich’s recording of Rachmaninov’s Concerto No.3 and the Suite No.2 for Two Pianos with Nelson Freire. I still return to those recordings. So, seeing and hearing them in real life meant a great deal. It was emotional, inspirational, motivating — you name it.

There are still more pianists on my list I’d love to hear live… but bit by bit. Surely, there will be some exciting concerts next year!