Over the last 3 years, we had the privilege of performing (Marian Holness at the violin, and yours truly at the piano) at the opening of the EGU Medals & Awards Ceremony in Vienna. Any performance is a tremendous privilege, but these occasions are even more special for us, because it is to honor the distinguished awardees of our community, our friends and colleagues, and ... it's Vienna (the classical musical capital)! The idea originated from a proposal in February 2023 to the Council by the EGU Treasurer (Patric Jacobs) to bring some live music to the EGU Awards & Medals Ceremony. The original plan was of course to have professionals, but the proposal switched to us playing after an impromptu evening in Prague with both of us "noodling" along some pieces together. After much hesitation, we accepted the challenge and decided to try out this unusual request, because having EGU council members perform sent a very positive and inclusive message, and added a special touch to an already very special evening.

Here’s a small collage of moments from this unexpected but deeply fulfilling musical chapter of the past three years. I'm deeply grateful to the EGU for this privilege and my dear companion in music for being on this journey together. Hope you like it too! (and please forgive any mistakes, we are after all amateur musicians!). The full performances, and many more (all with their imperfections, so please be kind!) are available on this channel as well.

With my move back to Europe a few years ago, I made a quiet resolution: to reconnect with music and actively perform again whenever possible. It was a promise I had made long ago to my piano teacher, who was devastated at the time by my decision to choose a career in science over music (I still think I made the right decision, I'm a much better scientist than pianist!).

So I bought a nice piano, and despite years away from the keyboard, something remarkable happened: the technique, the memory, the touch... they started coming back. And with that return, came something unexpected: a deeper emotional connection to music, a maturity in listening and feeling, and above all, immense joy when playing.

So, before every performance, I take a quiet moment to thank my piano teacher (Ioanna Perraki) and chamber music teacher and violinist (Stavros Margaritis) for all that they gave me. Each were exceptional musicians - Perraki was a pianist and visionary educator whom directed two Conservatories and was completely devoted to her students; Margaritis, amongst his many positions, was principal violin at the Greek National Opera, the Orchestra of Colours under Manos Hatzidakis and also played at the Athens State Orchestra. He transformed while playing the violin and with him for the first time I experienced - on stage - the ecstasy and heightened sense of communication and awareness that musicians strive for. Their guidance, devotion, love for music combined with countless wonderful memories and experiences (from my childhood to young adult years) shaped me. Together with my parents, they instilled a strong aspiration for high goals, something that I carry till today. I only wish they were in the audience - but maybe they were in spirit... (they both passed away a few years ago).