Q&A: Elena Cobb
Thursday, November 1, 2018
MT meets Elena Cobb, managing director of EVC Music Publications and founder of a new event that gives young pianists the opportunity to play at the Royal Albert Hall.
What was the idea behind the Elena Cobb Star Prize?
I wanted an event where children of different levels and ability could have an inspirational experience and play piano in front of their peers, parents and teachers. Together with the British & International Federation of Festivals, I wanted to encourage young people to play new music – and bring together future generations of arts lovers.
There are so many piano competitions already; what makes this one different?
There are a lot of competitions, and a lot of festivals, but none like this where a student can play at a world-class venue [the Royal Albert Hall] – and on Elton John's red piano! It's an exciting prospect for international students; it certainly gets the hearts racing.
Do they have to play an Elton John song?
[laughs] No, they have to play a piece published by EVC Music [Cobb's publishing arm] and/or something from ABRSM's ‘Piano Star’ series and/or Trinity's ‘Piano Dreams’ books. I aim to publish pieces that are not only educational but sound great on the stage.
The music includes jazz, pop ballads and classical – there's a real variety.
What are the latest additions to the catalogue?
We have a new book Six Preludes About Time by Mark Goddard – better known as the man who used to run Spartan Press. Mark is now retired and has lots of music that has never been published; he sent some scores and it was an immediate yes from me. The Preludes About Time are written in a naturally pianistic way. One teacher is preparing the pieces with a student for the Van Cliburn Competition in Texas, which is very exciting. Obviously the core repertoire – Chopin and Liszt études, for example – are wonderful but there should be space for new music, too.
Why is it important to keep contemporary music active?
It would be easy to play the same pieces that audiences know and like. It's much harder to introduce the public to new works. With the Star Prize, we offer a nice setting to hear new music. If you give people the opportunity, they will give it a chance: the 2019 event is already sold out; all the tickets went within 18 days.
What's the ethos and spirit behind EVC Music Publications?
My view is not commercial, I don't go after something to make a quick buck. For example, I know that I could easily sell arrangements of Classical pieces, but I don't want to recycle other works. For me, finding new music is more exciting. I started publishing my own music first, and then I realised I wanted to do it professionally. There was a demand and it has just grown and grown! There are a lot of wonderful piano teachers who are seeking contemporary music to use in their lessons and for recital performances.
What is it you look for in a new work?
The pieces must be original and appealing to a new generation of pianists. Structure is important, and the phrases must be pianistic. And it is always a good sign if a non-musician likes it too.