Biography
Carola has participated in masterclasses with Gustav Rivinius, Tomasz Strahl, Xenia Jankovic and many others, and regularly performs in festivals across Europe, including at the Haydn and Beethoven festivals in Austria, the Casalmaggiore International Festival in Italy, and the Académie Internationale d’Eté de Nice. In 2010, Carola gave her soloist debut, performing the Shostakovich Cello Concerto.
Carola has always been an enthusiastic chamber musician, forming the ensemble Krebsquartet with her three sisters at a young age, together performing in concert halls and competitions across Europe, including the prestigious Musikverein and Konzerthaus in Vienna. Carola regularly participates in the chamber music series for talented young musicians, Junge Musikfreunde Baden, and has received prizes as both a chamber musician and a soloist at competitions including Prima la Musica in Vienna and Austrian Master Classes Competition.
Together with her duo partner, Carola successfully auditioned for RCM Gateway and was awarded recitals in Charlton House, St James Piccadilly Church and St Martin-in-the-Fields in 2017. In 2018, Carola will perform the Brahms Double Concerto, conducted by Norbert Pfafflmeyer.
QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS
What’s on your playlist right now?
On my playlist there are a lot of concertos, sonatas or pieces for cello and other instruments as well. I like to listen to varying styles that provide me with fresh input for my practise sessions. Currently you could find the clarinet trio by Brahms on my playlist. I am playing this piece soon, hence I am listening to numerous different interpretations of the piece, both of him and other contemporary musicians. This is especially important to determine which interpretation I want to perform.
What is your favourite piece of music, and why do you love it?
I wouldn’t say that I have one favourite piece of music. There are too many beautiful pieces to pick just one. I really like to listen, however, to the music of Robert Schumann. As a person I find him really interesting: he not only founded one of the first musical newspapers and knew a lot of distinguished artists, but in his music I can find a huge variety of characters, moods and colours that all contribute to fully understanding his personality.
What do you think concerts of the future should look like?
Having grown up in Austria, I obviously love spending time outside in the beautiful countryside. For instance, the magnificent vineyards around my home town of Baden provide a picturesque place of escape whenever I need a break from music. Furthermore, I am fond of a very Austrian stereotype – skiing. Rushing down the steep slopes of snowy mountains makes my musically inspired imagination come to life. Lastly, I really enjoy challenging myself in a game of chess, mainly because it provides another nice balance to the life of a musician.