Tony Ann: I want my work to inspire passion for the piano

At 24, Tony Ann is considered a piano prodigy and social media star. He will be visiting the Alhambra in Geneva on November 26 and 27, 2024. Meet this Canadian artist of Chinese origin who is living his dream by traveling around the world thanks to his passion.

Where did this attraction to the piano come from?

My interest in the piano began when I was 12 years old. I was at school and my teacher showed us a documentary about Beethoven’s life. His story really touched and inspired me. It really made me want to compose. I wanted to use this instrument to create my own music, like many composers of the past.

When did you realize you could make a career out of it?

I think at first I was too young to understand the idea of ​​career or money. I was just really passionate about writing music. I just wanted to do what I loved and my parents didn’t stop me. I never thought about doing anything else, because I never loved anything as much as music.

You make your own compositions, but also feats. Is one of the two options easier?

I think the two are very different. Working alone allows more freedom and independence because you don’t need to share your ideas and feelings. But working with someone brings another form of creativity. If I really had to decide, I would probably choose to work alone because the audience can really feel my own sounds.

When you compose for yourself, what are your main sources of inspiration?

My composition process always begins with improvisation on the piano. I sit down and play whatever comes to mind. I don’t have specific inspirations, but I think moments from the past – whether happy or challenging – can inspire me unconsciously. I also find it very inspiring to be in concert, to meet my fans and to travel around the world.

It’s a bit of your trademark to make videos where we see your keyboard in landscapes. How was this concept born?

It all started with the camera angle. In fact, I have a GoPro that I hold using a mouth mount. So the camera is at my face level when I record. Which isn’t very practical, because I can only half see the piano. At first, I just wanted to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Los Angeles because I lived there. And since then, thanks to my team, I’ve been able to film in really cool places like the Great Wall of China, the Colosseum or different places in Europe. It’s truly wonderful!

By going on social media, do you want to educate the younger generation about classical music?

Personally, I don’t classify myself as classical music. Rather, what I want my work to inspire is passion and love for the piano. Perhaps by seeing my content, children may want to listen to Chopin, Beethoven, Mozart or Bach, but that is not my goal.

You are currently on tour. What is it like to travel the world with your passion?

What makes this truly surreal and fantastic is that it all happened in one year. I started releasing music in January 2023 and played my own sounds in November of the same year. In that time, I have traveled to many cities where I dreamed of playing. I didn’t think it would happen this quickly, but rather in five years. It’s really very moving and inspiring to see the joy and emotions that my music brings to the audience. Being in front of thousands of fans in different places around the world is very touching.

What can audiences who come to your concerts expect?

People can expect emotions and a lot of authenticity because I not only play the piano, I also talk a lot on stage. And one thing I like to do when I go to a country where English is not the native language is to learn a few words in the national language. I also like to tell jokes to make the audience laugh and do Q&As so people can learn more about me.

This is not your first visit to Switzerland. What do you think of your fans here?

I know I absolutely have to be on time. I really like Switzerland. It’s so clean and the people are so respectful. I also have to prepare a few words in French as I come to Geneva. I am very touched by the support of the Swiss public. And I might have the chance to meet some fans there.