What is your most favourite thing about India?
Doubtlessly, Indian people! Zarabanda and I have rarely felt as well, as in India. I think in this country there is a sense of hospitality - even something deeper, I'd say it is a fraternity that is really extraordinary. I have the impression that in India it should be difficult to feel alone, and that's simply amazing. "
My father, Spanish philosopher, Julián Marías, published a long essay about India in 1960. It began by talking about inhabitants' eyes, about its incredibly deep and communicative gaze, able to look inside the others and to let the others penetrate in themselves. I have had the chance of verifying the accuracy of his words. I think also audiences' ears are especially open and it was easier to establish a spiritual communication with the public than in other countries?
Who is your most favourite Indian artiste?
When I was young, I was lucky to listen to a Ravi Shankar concert that deeply shocked me. I have been a follower of Zubin Mehta for about 40 years. I am really a fan of his!
If you could collaborate with one musician from India, whom would you like to collaborate with? Why?
I am sorry to say that this wouldn't be so easy. Performers using period instruments in Western Early Music, employ very specific pitch levels and tuning systems, not too easy to match with other performers. I don't know whether there are Indian performers specialized in Western Early Music; in that case it'll be a great pleasure to perform with them. I heard in our concert in Chennai about a young Indian harpsichord performer who studied in the Royal College of Music, London. This is the kind of musician with which we could collaborate and of course that would be a great pleasure for us.