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. hace 2 días

    From Vanderbijlpark to the World | Jaco Verwey on Rocking the Vaal, Community & Resilience

    Some interviews are personal. This one is especially close to my heart because Vanderbijlpark is my hometown, the place where I was born and grew up, and still the place I return to whenever I am back in South Africa. In this interview, I speak with Jaco Verwey, organiser of Rocking the Vaal and spokesperson for the Golden Triangle Chamber of Commerce, about a town on the banks of the Vaal River, its people, its challenges and its remarkable resilience. Jaco shares the story behind Rocking the Vaal, a family-friendly music, food and community festival that has grown into something much bigger than a music event. With its Guinness World Record attempts, charity initiatives and involvement of local businesses, universities, sponsors and community organisations, the festival brings people together around a shared sense of achievement, while putting the Vaal region on the map. We also talk about Vanderbijlpark itself and the economic difficulties that have deeply affected the community, particularly the contraction and restructuring of ArcelorMittal South Africa and the surrounding heavy industries. Yet, as Jaco describes, the people of the Vaal have something that cannot easily be measured: a strong sense of community, generosity and the resilience to keep moving forward. At the heart of our conversation is a simple but powerful idea: when a community comes together, it can change the story being told about its home. For me, this conversation was also an opportunity to look back at the place that shaped me, and to celebrate the people who continue to believe in the Vaal and its future. Every artist has a story worth hearing. https://www.tsogosun.com/whatson/rocking-the-vaal/ If you've enjoyed The Artist's Voice, you're invited to support the project through https://buymeacoffee.com/petrasittig Every coffee helps keep meaningful conversations with artists brewing. Thanks for listening, watching, and cheering on the arts! 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/ #festivals #proudlysouthafrican #petrasittigtheartistsvoice

    From Vanderbijlpark to the World | Jaco Verwey on Rocking the Vaal, Community & Resilience
  2. hace 5 días

    Nikolai Medvedev: FUSIONS — The Joy of Gershwin, Kapustin & Virtuosity

    Berlin-based pianist Nikolay Medvedev, originally from Russia, brings together a deep love for the Romantic repertoire with a curiosity for music that crosses boundaries. In this open and honest conversation, Nikolay takes us back to his musical beginnings, his early experience singing in a boys’ choir, and the journey that eventually led him to Berlin. He shares how he built his career in Berlin by saying yes to opportunities that came his way — an approach that reflects his openness, optimism and willingness to embrace new experiences. We also talk about his special enjoyment of working with opera singers, perhaps a connection to those early days of singing himself. Nikolay's musical world spans Rachmaninov, Liszt, Brahms and Tchaikovsky, alongside his particular affinity for the music of Nikolai Kapustin. We speak about his latest recording and concert programme, FUSIONS, where the music of Kapustin, Gershwin and Earl Wild comes together in a vibrant meeting of classical precision, jazz, rhythm and virtuosity. Nikolay also shares his love of playing Gershwin and what draws him to this extraordinary musical language. What stayed with me most from our conversation was Nikolay’s positive outlook — his belief in embracing opportunities, following his curiosity and allowing a career to unfold through the people and experiences that come along the way. Every artist has a story worth hearing. https://nikolaymedvedev.com If you've enjoyed The Artist's Voice, you're invited to support the project through https://buymeacoffee.com/petrasittig Every coffee helps keep meaningful conversations with artists brewing. Thanks for listening, watching, and cheering on the arts! 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/

    Nikolai Medvedev: FUSIONS — The Joy of Gershwin, Kapustin & Virtuosity
  3. 27 ago

    Where Nature Meets Music: Dario Doronzo & Livio Minafra

    Dario Savino Doronzo, soprano flugelhorn, and Livio Minafra, piano and composition, came together through a shared curiosity for sound, expression and artistic exploration. Both highly acclaimed musicians in their own right, they have created a duo where refined lyricism meets musical exuberance, resulting in a distinctive sound that moves freely between space, dynamics, colour, virtuosity and emotion. In this fascinating conversation, Dario and Livio talk about what inspired them to form the duo and how their collaboration continues to evolve. Dario also demonstrates how sounds from nature — from animal horns to seashells — can become a source of inspiration for creating music. Their approach invites us to listen differently: to discover that music can begin with the sounds that already surround us, transforming the raw, unexpected voices of nature into something new and deeply expressive. They also talk about their upcoming journey to South Africa, where they will be performing and give Masterclasses, bringing their music into a new cultural setting and connecting with musicians and audiences through both performance and teaching. This was such a fascinating conversation — a reminder that music is not only something we create, but something we discover by listening. Nature, with its rhythms, textures and unexpected sounds, can open our ears to new possibilities and remind us that creativity often begins with simply paying attention. Every artist has a story worth hearing. https://www.liviominafra.com/en/doronzominafra/ If you've enjoyed The Artist's Voice, you're invited to support the project through https://buymeacoffee.com/petrasittig Every coffee helps keep meaningful conversations with artists brewing. Thanks for listening, watching, and cheering on the arts! 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/

    Where Nature Meets Music: Dario Doronzo & Livio Minafra
  4. 24 ago

    Willy & The Sheiks: The Sound of Swing, Roots & Rhythm

    William Bejedi is the charismatic frontman of Willy & The Sheiks, a seven-piece band bringing swing to life with energy, charm and a fresh twist. I spoke to William just before the band took to the stage at Buskers Bern, one of Switzerland’s biggest street festivals, where their infectious blend of original music and clever re-arrangements of timeless classics was ready to get audiences moving. In our conversation, William takes us back to the beginning of his musical journey and the influence of his father, who inspired his love of music. Without formal music education, William taught himself by listening, observing and learning from other musicians – a journey that shaped not only his musicianship but also his understanding of music as something that is shared, experienced and passed from one person to another. His collaboration with the Sheiks has created a band with a distinctive sound and a wonderful sense of musical freedom. William talks about the individual musicians and the way their different instruments, talents and musical backgrounds come together to create the rich, rhythmic sound of the band. From the interplay between the horns and rhythm section to the energy of the arrangements, each musician contributes something unique, creating a sound that is both rooted in swing tradition and full of new life. William also speaks about his Cameroonian roots and offers an insight into cultural life in Cameroon, reflecting on how his heritage continues to influence and enrich his music. For him, music is not only entertainment but also a way of carrying stories, experiences and cultural identity forward. And perhaps most personally, William talks about his own children and his hope to inspire them in the same way his father inspired him – passing on a love of music, curiosity and creativity to the next generation. With his powerful voice, spontaneous dance moves and irresistible stage presence, William knows how to connect with an audience. But behind the performer is a musician deeply connected to his roots, his family and the musicians around him – and this conversation offers a glimpse into what makes Willy & The Sheiks such an exciting force on stage. Every artist has a story worth hearing. https://www.thesheiks.ch/willyandthesheiks If you've enjoyed The Artist's Voice, you're invited to support the project through https://buymeacoffee.com/petrasittig Every coffee helps keep meaningful conversations with artists brewing. Thanks for listening, watching, and cheering on the arts! 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/ #jazzband #swingmusic #insprationalstory

    Willy & The Sheiks: The Sound of Swing, Roots & Rhythm
  5. 20 ago

    Creating by Heart: Precious Akindele on Music, Courage and Creativity

    In this inspiring conversation, I speak with Precious Akindele, a rising pianist, organist and contemporary classical composer from London. Precious first discovered music at school and, because she is visually impaired, learned many of her piano pieces by ear. She went on to study music at the BRIT School and is now preparing to continue her studies at Trinity Laban. Precious speaks with such enthusiasm about her love of composing and the joy she finds in creating her own music. She also shares how discovering the church organ presented a completely new challenge, but one that she embraced and grew to love. We talk about her passion for communicating about music through her Instagram page, where she creates engaging and interesting videos, as well as her experiences as a young artist finding her own way. What struck me most about Precious was her determination, confidence and openness to new possibilities. Her visual impairment has not stopped her from pursuing music or from doing things in her own way. Instead, she approaches every opportunity with curiosity, energy and an obvious love for what she does. I came away from this conversation feeling genuinely inspired by Precious and her enthusiasm for music, creativity and life. Every artist has a story worth hearing. If you've enjoyed The Artist's Voice, you're invited to support the project through https://buymeacoffee.com/petrasittig Every coffee helps keep meaningful conversations with artists brewing. Thanks for listening, watching, and cheering on the arts! 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/ #composer #inspirationalstory #pianist

    Creating by Heart: Precious Akindele on Music, Courage and Creativity
  6. 17 ago

    The Art Behind the Wine: A Conversation with Renier van Deventer

    Winemaking is both a science and an art. It requires knowledge, precision and an understanding of the elements that shape a wine, but also creativity, intuition and a deep connection to the vineyard. In this interview, I speak with Renier van Deventer of Ridgeback Wines about his journey through the wine industry and the many experiences that have shaped him as a cellar Master and winemaker. After studying Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University, Renier began his career at Neethlingshof Wine Estate and continued his training under acclaimed winemaker Charles Hopkins at De Grendel. His journey then took him beyond South Africa, with harvests in California’s Napa Valley, Western Australia’s Margaret River and New Zealand, where he worked as Assistant Winemaker at Indevin during a record 35,000-ton harvest. Before joining Ridgeback, he was Cellar Master at Leopard’s Leap, working across a diverse portfolio of wines. At Ridgeback Wines, Renier brings this wealth of experience to a farm whose story began with its first white wine in 2000, followed by the five-star award-winning Ridgeback Shiraz in 2001. The name Ridgeback itself comes from the Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs kept on the farm – a breed originally associated with lion hunting and admired for its strength, character and distinctive pedigree. These qualities have become closely connected to the identity of the farm and its red wines. Renier takes us behind the bottle and into the vineyard, explaining how soil, weather, the health of the vines and countless other factors influence the character and quality of the final wine. We talk about the delicate balance between respecting what nature provides and applying the knowledge and skill of the winemaker. Most importantly, we explore that fascinating space where science meets creativity – where technical knowledge becomes something expressive, personal and alive. Renier’s story offers an insight not only into winemaking, but into the patience, passion and craftsmanship behind every bottle. Every artist has a story worth hearing. https://www.ridgebackwines.co.za/about-us/ If you've enjoyed The Artist's Voice, you're invited to support the project through https://buymeacoffee.com/petrasittig Every coffee helps keep meaningful conversations with artists brewing. Thanks for listening, watching, and cheering on the arts! 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/ #winemaking #ridgebackwines #artandscience

    The Art Behind the Wine: A Conversation with Renier van Deventer
  7. 13 ago

    Monica Mhangwana: When Opportunity Meets Perseverance

    When I first spoke to South African opera singer Monica Mhangwana in 2022, I was struck by her positive outlook despite the many setbacks she was facing in her career. At the time, she described it as feeling like taking “one step forward and ten steps back.” Little did she know that a new opportunity was about to change the direction of her journey. Monica went on to receive a scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in Music at the Musikhochschule Lübeck in Germany, opening the door to new experiences and opportunities on the international stage. Originally from Pretoria, Monica has built a diverse career spanning opera, classical concert works, jazz, pop and African contemporary music, with performances with Cape Town Opera, Johannesburg Opera and Semperoper, as well as tours across Europe and Africa. In this follow-up conversation, I wanted to hear how life had changed for Monica since our first interview — about her new life in Germany, the opportunities she is embracing, and what it means to build a career far from home. We also talked about South Africa, what she misses, and the differences she has discovered between life in Germany and back home. But what struck me once again is not only Monica’s talent and determination, but her genuine willingness to help other singers. In a highly competitive profession, she is generous with her experience and encouragement, offering valuable advice to South African singers who are considering further studies in Europe. Her desire to give back and help others follow their own passion says a great deal about the artist she is. And then there is the joy she brings with her wherever she goes — including the time she taught an audience in northern Germany to sing and dance Pata Pata! It was wonderful to reconnect with Monica and hear how far she has come. Her story is one of perseverance, opportunity, gratitude and generosity — and a reminder that sometimes one step forward can eventually lead somewhere we never expected. Every artist has a story worth hearing. If you've enjoyed The Artist's Voice, you're invited to support the project through https://buymeacoffee.com/petrasittig Every coffee helps keep meaningful conversations with artists brewing. Thanks for listening, watching, and cheering on the arts! 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/ #operasingers #southafricanartists #petrasittigtheartistsvoice

    Monica Mhangwana: When Opportunity Meets Perseverance
  8. 10 ago

    Every Guitar Has a Story: Tom River on Music, Life and Creativity

    What happens when a love of music becomes stronger than the career you thought you were meant to have? Australian indie-folk singer-songwriter and producer Tom River, from Margaret River, Western Australia, began his working life in engineering. But music was always there. He started by singing quietly in his room before taking the leap to perform in bars and smaller venues and eventually finding his voice as a songwriter and musician. Best known as one half of the duo Salt Tree, Tom’s solo work is intimate and atmospheric, combining acoustic guitar, airy harmonies and melodic storytelling. Tom has a particular love for guitars and believes that every guitar has its own story. But his curiosity doesn't stop there. He also plays the banjo — simply because he loves the sound of it. He began recording with the banjo and taking it onto the stage, while joking that the instrument can be rather temperamental and has a tendency to go out of tune at exactly the wrong moment. In our conversation, Tom also reflects on the music industry, which he describes as being a little like the Wild West. For an independent artist, there are so many different paths to explore and so many ways to be creative beyond simply writing and performing music. There is the business and financial side, producing and recording, sound engineering, video and photography, social media, visual storytelling and the many other skills that have become part of the modern musician’s world. For Tom, this freedom to explore different creative domains is part of what makes being an artist so exciting. We talk about following your curiosity, finding your own musical voice, and having the courage to build a creative life that doesn't necessarily follow a conventional path. Every artist has a story worth hearing. https://linktr.ee/tomrivermusic If you've enjoyed The Artist's Voice, you're invited to support the project through https://buymeacoffee.com/petrasittig Every coffee helps keep meaningful conversations with artists brewing. Thanks for listening, watching, and cheering on the arts! 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/ #indimusic #singersongwriters #petrasittigtheartistsvoice

    Every Guitar Has a Story: Tom River on Music, Life and Creativity

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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.