Meet Vivi Vassileva | Multi-Percussionist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vivi Vassileva and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vivi, why did you pursue a creative career?
Since my very first experience playing a drum, this is what has always felt right, even up to this very moment. When I play, I feel like I can just let go and express myself in ways I could never do with words.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I believe that the most important virtue in life is determination. If you know what you want and keep fighting for it, eventually it will come to you. I believe in seizing opportunities when they arise, even if you may not feel fully prepared. We grow through our challenges. I believe in hard work, and most importantly, I believe in loving what you do and always being grateful.

For me, among all forms of art, music is the one that exists in the present moment. It celebrates the power of now and the essence of each moment. When I perform for an audience, I see it as my greatest responsibility to captivate the listener’s attention in the present. Music is a reflection of life and time – presence flowing into future. Just as we cannot halt time, we cannot pause music; it stops immediately. In a concert it’s up to us musicians to keep the music flowing, cherishing every note, every sound, putting it in direction and living every emotion within the music. This is what makes music so powerful and what makes it move us deeply.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in a small town on the beautiful Lake Traunsee in Austria. For me, nature represents the ultimate way to reconnect with oneself. There are countless places here for hiking, walking and swimming, each one more paradisiacal than the next. The Sonnstein, Traunstein, the Langbathsee, Feuerkogel, and many more!

When it comes to dining, home is always the best option for us. My fiancée Lucas, who is Brazilian, and I enjoy cooking up some super delicious and healthy vegan meals. We draw inspiration from Brazilian, Bulgarian, and Asian cuisines, creating a fusion of flavors that delights our taste buds.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The one exceptional personality who opened up countless new worlds in percussion for me was Martin Grubinger. Studying under him at the age of 24 completely transformed my approach to drumming and performing contemporary music. His influence completely revolutionized my technique and perception of sound.

What truly motivated me to start what felt like from the beginning of a music school percussion student, to give my all, and to work tirelessly during this phase of my life, when I was already performing in prestigious halls with wonderful orchestras, was his unwavering belief in my potential. I couldn’t have imagined for a more supportive mentor in those days.

Website: https://vividrums.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivivassileva/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drummavivi/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vivivassileva2257

Image Credits
Julia Wesely Wiener Konzerthaus, Hugo Thomassen Adams Percusison, Serhiy Horobets