When Leandro Riva meets his audience it feels as if sound itself stepped onto the stage. His hands seem to caress the strings of his guitar like wings of a bird, sometimes contemplative, at other times disturbing. The sound reaches unexpected heights, but at the same time enters deeply into the soul.
Who is Leandro Riva?
‘I am a guitarist from Argentina, where I grew up in the culturally bustling city of Rosario on the river Paraná.’
This young musician stirs and calms the soul. After his concerts the audience is left enraptured and fascinated.
Why did you choose to play the guitar?
‘I listened to my mother playing the guitar when I was very young. I still vividly remember the pieces she used to play and how I was fascinated by the sound of the instrument.’
Why did you choose to play the guitar?
What sort of music are we talking about?
‘The music we listened to was mainly folkloric music. It was only when I took up lessons at the age of seven, that I was exposed to other musical styles, too. My teacher, Leonardo Bravo, has been an inspirational and influential tutor over many years.’
How did you first think about becoming a musician?
‘It was after a school concert, at the age of 12 that I decided to become a guitarist. I can still recall all the pieces I played that day too. I subsequently took part in a couple of music competitions in Argentina and the desire grew in me to study music at the University of Rosario. I think I always knew from then onwards, that being a musician was my calling.’
How did you first think about becoming a musician?
Your repertoire stretches from European guitar music to South American folk music and Tango Argentino.
Which role does the guitar play in your country?
‘In Argentina, like all over Latin America, the guitar is omni-present. Folkloric music is part of our cultural heritage and the guitar plays a key role. Just imagine tango or milonga without the guitar! As such, our relationship with the guitar is a particularly close one. We almost treat the guitar like a member of the family.’
Why are you now living in Germany?
‘From early on, I had the desire to experience music in Europe from the inside. After a tour through Europe with the Escolaso Tango Trío in 2005, I decided to continue my musical career in Germany. I was attracted by the country’s deeply rooted musical heritage. Working away from home enabled me to look at my work from a new perspective and gave me artistic freedom to further develop and fine-tune my musical skills.’
Why are you now living in Germany?
What is your ultimate professional and personal goal?
‘As a musician I aspire to provide my audiences with a deeply felt musical experience. I enjoy seeing my listeners inspired and touched by my music. As a teacher, I strive to identify my pupils’ gifts and strengths and encourage them to develop them further to become better musicians.’