Anne Nikunen

1. Are there any specific projects or performances you participated in that you are particularly proud of?

The Sound of Space Between Us is a trilogy I immersed myself in for about four years, since the start of the pandemic. The first installment was for multi-tracked violin, the second for violin soloist and string trio (string quartet), and the third for orchestra. The second installment was the title piece on a program of music and dance I curated, created for and performed in with BlackBox Ensemble, where I’m the flutist and Director of Artistic Planning. I’d long wanted to integrate all sides of my practice into one program that I directed, and the opportunity came at The Clark Art Institute, with its stunning outdoor space. As composer, choreographer, and dancer—while also playing flute on other pieces—I balanced writing 20 minutes of music, choreographing to that for myself and my dance partner Peter, maintaining physical performance strength/stamina, and handling admin. It was a new level of challenge, but an invaluable learning experience. The third installment, for orchestra, premiered with The Phoenix Symphony last spring—an incredible moment, especially as my first orchestra piece!

2. Where do you see yourself in five years?

I have a vision, but I also want to stay open – I aim to expand my multi-faceted practice while remaining receptive to new artistic roles, opportunities and experiences. Looking back five years ago to 2020, I could never have predicted the experiences that would come to shape my life, which is why I think that openness is so important. And these particular past 5 years felt like 15 – one’s early twenties are already an ever-changing time, but the pandemic felt like a compressed lifetime of change. I was going along a path through the trees, and suddenly the communal existential crisis that ensued forced me to zoom out to the forest. I think the relentless demand to adapt, in a way, showed me all the things that were/are possible. It made me ask more questions about what I was doing and why. Checking in with that question and practicing openness are things I want to carry forward.

3. What advice would you give to other students?

Collaboration has no formula, but trust, respect, and transparency are essential. It doesn’t do any good to stay in destructive or unfulfilling situations because of fear of the unknown. There’s that quote “Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.” Easier said than done, but something to remember. Megan Fairchild, a New York City Ballet principal retiring next year after 25 years, said something that stuck with me reflecting on turning down roles: “letting go isn’t always about loss–it can also be about making space.”