– Good afternoon, Naira. Please tell us about yourself. Where were you born and when did you start getting involved in music?
I was born in the ancient city of Echmiadzin, Armenia. By the age of four, I already decided to become a cellist. At the age of eight, when my family moved to Odessa, Ukraine, I went to study to play the cello at a music school. During my studies, I realized that I like classical music, especially cello compositions. In Odessa, I graduated with honors from the Music College named after I. Dunkevich. In 1997 I moved to Austin, Texas. There I received a second bachelor’s degree. I started teaching at a school and giving private lessons in my home studio.
– Do you like Austin, Texas? Why did you choose this particular state?
I have the privilege to live in a beautiful, progressive city that has a lot to offer. Austin not only has countless live music opportunities, but also lakes, quirky restaurants, well-known parks, and neighboring cities with unique shops and galleries. I like everything about it, but the weather isn’t ideal. In the summer, temperatures rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
– How has your lifestyle changed since you moved to Texas?
When I first moved to Texas, I didn’t know anyone. Later I got to meet Lyuda Voskova and several other Russian-speaking women. They organized a “baby shower” for my future child and this was the beginning of my involvement in the Russian-speaking community. Most of the people who came to my holiday were Russian-speaking whom I had never met, so Lyuda collected their contact information. Over time, we made many acquaintances with whom we celebrated the holidays. We even created a church. Lyuda invited a priest, Father Lyubomyr, from the Russian Church of Houston. He blessed my home to become a church. Since then, I have been able to conduct church services in my own home, from water blessings to Easter liturgies. During the first 2-3 years of my life in Austin, I looked for the Armenian community. I really wanted to be a part of them.
The focus of my life, as well as my interests, have changed since the birth of my children. Cello, classical music, and live performances were everything to me before my daughters. Suddenly, everything thacreativet was once an integral part of my life faded into the background. My family is my priority. Over time, I was able to return to giving private lessons, teaching cello and piano. In 2015, I began to work with Musical Connections. Hosting concerts and performances with Lyuda Voskova and Sergei Vashchenko is my favorite pastime.
– How is your life in Austin developing? Where do you teach now?
Teaching at the private school Reagents and teaching classes at my home studio helped me with concerts with Musical Connections and the Russian Speakers Society. My bachelor’s degree from Odessa, Ukraine was not recognized in America. Pursuing my bachelor’s degree in 2000 in the United States helped me become a scientific advisor at Austin Community College (ACC). I love teaching music, but working at ACC takes up almost all of my time. Unfortunately, right now I do not take students for training “from zero experience”. I get to listen to classical music while in the car and at home, as well as when I attend live concerts, listen to Spotify and other resources. The radio station is always tuned to 89.5.
– Please tell us about Musical Connections. You organize and hold seasonal concerts. Which performers do you prefer?
Sergey Vashchenko, the CEO and founder of Musical Connections, brought me in to organize concerts in 2013. Musical Connections offers a unique opportunity to listen to any style of music and enjoy the best classical music performers from Europe. It’s a Texas non-profit created to promote a better understanding of the world’s music through performances, cultural exchanges, musical history and heritage, and educating the public about the variety of music created by cultures around the world. We select artists based on their performances. Some come back to perform again if visitors request it. We strive to be unique, diverse and authentic.
– What are your plans for the future? What would you still like to achieve?
My plans are to continue to gain even more experience in order to help my students in the most difficult moments of their lives. I want to continue to work with Musical Connections and the Russian Speakers Society, organize concerts, and meet incredible musicians and artists. I also want to continue to support my daughters. This year my 21-year-old daughter, a university student, plans to enroll in a master’s program. My nineteen-year-old daughter is a 2nd year student in college.
I dream of traveling more and being closer to the ocean. I grew up by the Black Sea and miss the water, sand, and sea winds.
– What does a typical week look like for you? What do you like to do for fun?
On weekdays, I talk with students, and help them figure out their future career path. In my free time I try to be physically active: walking, cycling, yoga, dancing, and playing with friends and family. I like to organize parties with beautiful desserts, and unique traditional Armenian dishes.
I travel when I have time. There are so many places I still need to see. But my next trip will be to Armenia. I want to visit all the historical places that I have only read about.
– Do you have any advice or some final words?
We would love for you to come to our concerts! Come relax and enjoy the cultural music. In conclusion, I want to sayi t doesn’t matter where you are, what you’re doing, and what your plans are… Remember, you can’t get time back and it will not slow down for you. Make the time that you have meaningful!
Contact information:
Naira Winbigler
Email: Naira@musicalconnections.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naira.winbigler