Seeing him on stage and on the photos is a young man with a lively and nice gaze. But to read that Critics called him “sensational” It can only want to listen to it. Born in Tel Aviv, the English father and Israeli mother, Tom Borrow in 2020, at just 20 years old, was defined by International Piano “One to Watch” (an artist to follow). At 5 he already moved his fingers on the keyboard and was entrusted to Michal Tal’s care: from that moment musicians such as Murray Peraia and András Schiff welcomed him among the deserving of their specialization courses. The Society of the Quartet of Milan has chosen it this year to inaugurate the series of concerts dedicated to “new talents”, planning for him a recital dedicated to Bach, Rachmaninoff, Liszt, Schumann.
But what are you feeling to be known, identified and presented as a nascent star?
“Honestly, I don’t think about it much, I am simply very grateful to have the opportunity to share my love for music with the public all over the world.”
In Israel he won all the competitions in which he participated. What was the competition or event that influenced his artist’s path and when his life changed?
“The moment that has had the most influence on me was not actually a competition, but the fact of being called to replace Khatia Buniatishvili in a series of 13 concerts with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in 2019. It was an incredible experience and it was an crucial point that helped open the way to success. Then came the BBC that allowed me to play and record with all its orchestras. And the scriptures from all over the world arrived ».
COme happens to many colleagues therefore notoriety has come suddenly, almost by chance. From that moment Tom Borrow has had the roads flattened. But seeing him on stage is a boy like many others, even if he does not use social media …
“Yes, I don’t like social networks, it’s as if I were born in the wrong time from this point of view. Instead, sometimes I like a nice ping-pong game to relax ».
And during the endless travel by plane, what do you read?
«I often like to do some mental practice on planes, I like to empty the mind. But every now and then there is time for some books, especially philosophy texts ».
Speaking of the time, does it also find the one to live an existence outside the spotlight?
“I would say above all that I like to be sure I have time clippings to be able to see the family and friends, just as it is essential for me to have enough time to learn more repertoire and grow as a musician”.
What is the origin of its vocation?
“My parents are not musicians, however they have always been music fans and they have always supported me a lot.”
What authors do you think they will always accompany you in life and whose knowledge will grow with her?
«In general it is very difficult for me to choose a favorite composer, and the desire to play certain pieces depends a lot on the period of my life. I really play what I love, without distinction of eras ».
But is there an author particularly difficult to interpret for her, not from a technical point of view, but for the depth, mystery and complexity of her music?
«Many composers can be difficult to interpret, but I would say that one is certainly more than the others: Mozart. An interpreter when Mozart plays feels stripped of everything, presents himself naked in his presence ».
