Monika Laczofy
About
Q&A
Question: Can you tell us a bit about you, and what you are up to these days?
Answer I am a pianist and harpsichordist – I initially studied and worked in Austria, England and Australia. I went on to become a part-time Lecturer in Piano and Staff Accompanist at Elder Conservatorium for 35 years. I am now partly retired but still teaching for the Open Music Academy there. I have many gifted young private students most of whom also play other instruments and are involved in AYO. <br> <br> I am a Federal Examiner for AMEB, Artistic Advisor for Recitals Australia, former president and current secretary of the Accompanists' Guild of SA. Cello was my second instrument at Melbourne University and I studied with John Kennedy. I am still playing regular recitals with former Sydney Opera House and ASO Concertmaster Ladislav Jasek at his retirement village!
Question: What was a highlight of your time in AYO programs?
Answer Chamber music pianist at National Music Camp.
Question: What skills, musical and otherwise, did you take away from your time at AYO?
Answer Collaborative sharing of music.
Question: Why do you think AYO is important to the Australian cultural landscape?
Answer Absolutely essential in a country that is mainly focused on sports and business – the human spirit needs balance. And at a time when warring is widespread, music is peace-maker!
Question: What was one of the first pieces of music to inspire you?
Answer Mozart’s <i>Ave Verum</i>.
Question: What pieces would you share with people who want to discover more about orchestral music?
Answer Mahler symphonies, Dvorak String Serenade.
Question: Is there a piece of advice you received from a music teacher/mentor that has always stayed with you?
Answer Music is a lifestyle, not just an occupation.
Question: How or why did you choose your instrument?
Answer Piano was the only instrument available at the first school.
Question: What instrument would you play if you couldn’t play your primary instrument?
Answer Cello.
Question: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Answer Thanks to Patrick Brislan (French Horn, then Director of the Elder Conservatorium) for his support when, as a newcomer to Adelaide, I needed work, of which there was plenty – I enjoyed meeting most of the brass repertoire!