Petra Sittig

Petra Sittig

This channel is dedicated to raising awareness and showing support for the creative individuals and organizations who are shaping the future of arts and culture. I believe in giving artists a powerful platform to express themselves, share their stories, and showcase their unique perspectives. Through this project, I aim to amplify their voices and highlight the importance of the arts in our society. The arts have played a crucial role in the evolution of humanity, and it's essential to recognize both the artists who have paved the way and those who are creating today. I hope to inspire and educate younger generations about the significance of the arts, especially as they've been increasingly marginalized in our educational systems. Join me in celebrating all forms of art and fostering a deeper understanding of their value in our lives and communities. Let's ensure that arts and culture continue to thrive and remain relevant for future generations.

  1. Pencil Artist Vincent Reid | Wildlife Art, Creative Process & Howick Art Scene

    1 DAY AGO

    Pencil Artist Vincent Reid | Wildlife Art, Creative Process & Howick Art Scene

    In this inspiring conversation, I talk with pencil artist Vincent Reid, who lives and works in Howick, a small town in the Midlands of South Africa known for its vibrant and ever-growing art and music scene. Vincent reflects on his creative journey, beginning with his art education in Zimbabwe and his early career as an interior designer, before courageously transitioning into life as a full-time artist after relocating from Durban to Howick. Deeply connected to nature, Vincent shares how his artistic process begins outdoors—immersing himself in the raw beauty of wildlife and natural surroundings. These lived experiences become the foundation for his intricate pencil drawings, which capture not only physical detail but also a profound sense of presence and emotion. One of the most touching aspects of his process is his decision to draw the eyes of his subjects last—a deeply personal reward that brings each piece to life and marks the emotional completion of his work. Beyond visual art, Vincent is also a passionate musician, actively contributing to the local music scene alongside his daughter. Together, they are part of a creative community that thrives on collaboration, connection, and mutual support. Vincent speaks with genuine enthusiasm about Howick as a place where art and music intersect, and he expresses a heartfelt desire to see more young people inspired to explore their creativity. https://reidstudios.co.za https://lovecities.org.za

    53 min
  2. Driven by Music: The Determined Journey of Peter-John Frans

    5 MAR

    Driven by Music: The Determined Journey of Peter-John Frans

    In this inspiring episode of The Artist’s Voice, I speak with PJ – Peter-John Frans, a passionate jazz keyboard player currently based in Dubai. PJ takes us back to his childhood in Atlantis, South Africa, where music was not just something you listened to — it was something you lived. His mother played a profound role in shaping his musical journey. At home, she encouraged her children to sing together, creating a foundation of harmony, discipline, and joy that would stay with PJ for life. That early love of music continued in church, where he sang in the choir and deepened his connection to gospel music. As a young boy, PJ was already driven by a powerful inner calling to make music. He first picked up the guitar, determined to teach himself through listening, experimenting, and constant practice. Later, it was his mother once again who encouraged him to start playing the keyboard — an instrument that would eventually become his voice and signature sound. A self-taught musician, PJ has built his artistry through dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to growth. Since moving to Dubai, he has explored a wide range of musical genres, expanding his versatility while staying true to his heart: Jazz and Gospel. In our conversation, PJ shares insights into the vibrant music scene in Dubai and speaks about the opportunities he is creating for fellow musicians, supporting collaboration and artistic development. I love this story — from a young boy singing with his siblings at home and in church, to becoming an innovative and generous musician making his mark internationally. PJ’s journey is one of faith, determination, and the enduring power of music. Listen to this uplifting conversation and discover how roots, resilience, and passion can shape a truly remarkable artistic path. https://youtu.be/Pc1EKAv2474?si=A64h-ULsHn3R3sXR https://youtu.be/okHYFOACWS8?si=H9jdEpuAmrNiDZ6k

    40 min
  3. Dancing Beyond Borders: Stéphane Dalle and the Courage of Iranian Women

    26 FEB

    Dancing Beyond Borders: Stéphane Dalle and the Courage of Iranian Women

    In my recent conversation with Ballet Master Stéphane Dalle, I was reminded once again why art is not a luxury — it is a lifeline. Stéphane’s career has taken him to some of the world’s most respected ballet companies, including the English National Ballet, Boston Ballet, Béjart Ballet Lausanne, and Ballet Frankfurt. Today, he is internationally recognized for teaching the floor barre method developed by Boris Kniaseff — a technique that strengthens, refines, and reconnects dancers to the foundations of classical ballet. But this interview went far beyond technique. Stéphane shared what he describes as the most touching teaching experience of his life: being contacted by women from Iran who longed to study floor barre. Because of cultural and religious restrictions, it was not possible to organize such a workshop openly in their country. What followed was an extraordinary effort to arrange a safe location outside Iran where they could gather and work together freely. He spoke with deep emotion about meeting these courageous women — artists who continue to carry their passion for dance despite immense societal challenges. We also reflected on the history of the Iranian National Ballet, which ceased to exist after the 1979 revolution. For many, dance in Iran is not simply performance — it is memory, identity, and quiet resilience. For Stéphane, this workshop was more than professional fulfillment. It was a powerful reminder that art transcends borders, politics, and ideology. In that shared space, movement became freedom — even if only for a moment. This conversation is a testament to the unifying power of art and to the courage of those who refuse to let it disappear.

    51 min
  4. John Yao on Trombone, Composition, and the New York Jazz Scene

    23 FEB

    John Yao on Trombone, Composition, and the New York Jazz Scene

    In this episode of The Artist’s Voice, I had the great pleasure of speaking with John Yao, a 2025 Guggenheim Fellow in Music Composition and one of the premier trombonists, composers, and arrangers on the New York City jazz scene. John shares the story of how he first picked up the trombone and how his deep love for jazz began to take shape. From his early musical curiosity to immersing himself in the vibrant jazz tradition, he reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his artistic path. He speaks candidly about discovering his voice not only as a performer but also as a composer — and how saying “yes” to opportunities, collaborations, and creative challenges helped him grow into the artist he is today. We dive into his compositional process, the transition from interpreting music to creating it, and the responsibility and freedom that come with writing for both small ensembles and large groups. As a masterful bandleader, John has released six albums, each showcasing his distinctive musical language, rich textures, and thoughtful arrangements. John speaks about the ultimate reward of composing: the joy of hearing fellow musicians truly enjoy playing his music. For him, that shared musical energy — the connection between composer and performer — is what makes the creative journey meaningful. This was a thoughtful and engaging conversation offering genuine insight into John Yao’s work as a composer, trombonist, and artistic leader. His dedication to craft, collaboration, and the evolving language of jazz shines through in every part of this interview. A truly wonderful discussion with an artist who continues to shape the contemporary jazz landscape with integrity, vision, and heart. https://www.johnyao.com/bio The Inspiration by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

    1hr 5min
  5. Walter Fischbacher on Touring Europe, Recording, and Jazz Life in NYC

    19 FEB

    Walter Fischbacher on Touring Europe, Recording, and Jazz Life in NYC

    How do you become a full-time jazz musician — and actually make a living from live music? In this inspiring interview, Austrian jazz pianist Walter Fischbacher shares his remarkable journey from classical piano training in Vienna to building a successful jazz career in New York and touring Europe. At just 14 years old, Walter knew he wanted to play live music. That early dream led him from studying classical piano in Vienna to immersing himself in jazz piano in New York City — one of the world’s most competitive music scenes. But the road to becoming a professional jazz pianist wasn’t easy. In this conversation, Walter talks openly about: 🎹 Studying classical piano in Vienna and transitioning into jazz 🎶 Moving to New York to study jazz piano 💼 Working as a piano tuner to pay rent while pursuing music 🎧 Producing CDs for other artists and building a recording studio in NYC 🎤 Collaborating with his wife, jazz vocalist Elisabeth Lohninger 🎼 Performing with the innovative Phishbacher trio 🌍 Touring Europe as a full-time musician Interestingly, piano tuning — which became his financial lifeline — was something Walter learned “by accident” simply because he wanted to tune his own piano. That unexpected skill allowed him to sustain himself while building his performance career. Nearly 25 years later, the dream he had at 14 has become reality: Walter now tours internationally and earns his living through live music, recording, producing, and collaboration. This interview is a must-watch for: Aspiring jazz musicians Classical pianists transitioning to jazz Independent artists building sustainable careers Anyone curious about what it truly takes to make it in the music industry Walter’s story is one of determination, resilience, and passion — a powerful reminder that making it as a musician requires both artistry and entrepreneurship. https://walterfischbacher.com 🎥 Subscribe to Petra Sittig – The Artist’s Voice for in-depth interviews with artists from around the world. New episodes every Monday and Thursday.

    46 min
  6. Alex Josephson – Architecture Beyond Expectation

    11 FEB

    Alex Josephson – Architecture Beyond Expectation

    In this inspiring conversation, I speak with Alex Josephson, architect and co-founder of the Toronto-based studio PARTISANS. Alex reflects on his early childhood, where creativity was already a driving force in his life. From drawing and pottery to constantly finding new ways to express himself, his artistic instincts were evident from a young age. He speaks warmly about the profound influence of his mother, who encouraged him to explore his imagination freely. At school, both his art teacher and his science teacher played instrumental roles in shaping his thinking — nurturing not only his creative abilities but also his curiosity about how things work. Interestingly, Alex’s decision to pursue architecture was sparked by a rebellious streak. He recalls being drawn to the field precisely because he didn’t know any architects — it felt unexplored, unconventional, and entirely his own path. With the support of his father, who encouraged him to follow his heart and pursue what truly inspired him, Alex embraced architecture as both an artistic and intellectual pursuit. He also shares formative experiences from his time studying in Rome, where he developed a deep appreciation for Italian craftsmanship and architectural history. The richness of materiality, detail, and cultural continuity left a lasting impression on him. Throughout the interview, Alex speaks about the designers and architects who influenced his thinking and helped shape his design philosophy. With PARTISANS, Alex and his team strive to realize better cities by innovating at the frontlines of ideas, culture, form, materials, and typologies. Their work seeks to optimise both performance and human experience, often subverting expectations to create meaningful and transformative built environments. This conversation offers a thoughtful and personal insight into the mind of an architect who sees design not just as construction, but as cultural transformation. https://partisans.com/about/

    55 min

About

This channel is dedicated to raising awareness and showing support for the creative individuals and organizations who are shaping the future of arts and culture. I believe in giving artists a powerful platform to express themselves, share their stories, and showcase their unique perspectives. Through this project, I aim to amplify their voices and highlight the importance of the arts in our society. The arts have played a crucial role in the evolution of humanity, and it's essential to recognize both the artists who have paved the way and those who are creating today. I hope to inspire and educate younger generations about the significance of the arts, especially as they've been increasingly marginalized in our educational systems. Join me in celebrating all forms of art and fostering a deeper understanding of their value in our lives and communities. Let's ensure that arts and culture continue to thrive and remain relevant for future generations.