From Stage to Spotlight: 5 questions to Alejandro Gomez Pareja
Alejandro Gomez Pareja answers five questions from Classic Cello Press Office. To know more about the participant, please check the page with their bio.
Classic Cello Press Office: What are you most excited about for Classic Cello 2026?
Alejandro Gomez Pareja: The level of cellists participating in the Classic Cello 2026 competition is incredible, I am very grateful to be part of it. I know some of the competitors, and admire many of them, so I think it will be a great time to get to know each other more and engage with them, I find that one of the best parts of an international competition like this.
Classic Cello Press Office: How does it feel to be performing at the Royal College of Music in London?
Alejandro Gomez Pareja: It is very special to perform at the Royal College of Music, because I started my postgraduate studies this year at the Royal Academy of Music, and already London feels like home to me.
Classic Cello Press Office: What's been the biggest challenge preparing for this competition?
Alejandro Gomez Pareja: I always think that psychological preparation is the most challenging aspect in a competition like this, because we have learnt how to control our technical and musical skills, but putting ourselves on stage in such an intense context requires a certain mental and emotional state. I think that will always be the biggest Challenge.
Classic Cello Press Office: Which composer or musician inspires you the most right now?
Alejandro Gomez Pareja: Brahms has always been my favorite, but I am getting to know Britten more, and I really enjoy his music. I've also discovered Medtner's music for solo piano, and I am fascinated about it. As a cellist, I have to say that I personally feel more inspired by music which has been written for other instruments, especially for piano, because it allows me to step away from the instrumental aspect of the cello, an instrument that I know a lot more than others.
Classic Cello Press Office: Do you have a pre-concert ritual before you go on stage?
Alejandro Gomez Pareja: I always think that obvious things such as sleeping and eating well do make a difference. But I must say, what we do on our daily basis is what actually makes a difference. I think doing sport and finding time for other activities is just as important as practicing. And of course, stretching before playing! I personally love lying on the floor right before going on stage, it kind of makes me connect more with gravity and feel more grounded, I guess.
We are looking forward to seeing Alejandro's outstanding performances at the Classic Cello in March.
