When did you start learning the piano, and what was it about playing that made you want to continue?

I first started my piano lessons in music school when I was 5. Everyone in my family plays, so music was an important part of my education. During those years I developed an interest in other music subjects and decided to study musicology. To be able to play piano and read music is very important to me and I really enjoy it, as well as finding it useful.

Gedminte Samsonaite playing a Bösendorfer grand piano at the Yamaha Music London store on Wardour Street

Who are your favourite composers and musicians?

I find it really hard to pick a favourite, as I do enjoy listening to very different musical styles and genres. Recently, I have been listening a bit more to Pauline Oliveros, Mica Levi, Rachel Portman, Nina Simone, Clint Mansell and Hauschka. Also, I love films scores by Elliot Goldenthal, and constantly revisit recordings of Alfred Schnittke, Igor Stravinsky and Sergei Prokofiev’s works.

If you could travel back in time to a period of musical history when would it be?

I think I would like to go to the future instead to take a look how music will change in 100-200 years! Also, it would be interesting to see how much instruments have changed, which ones will be forgotten or evolve to something else entirely. For instance, a modern grand piano sounds and feels so different than the instruments music giants like Beethoven, Liszt or Brahms were working on, and many of the wind instruments that were so popular in Baroque music are not being used anymore...

Which is your favourite piano and why?

It would probably be a Bosendorfer 185 grand, as I love its unique tonal colour; it has such a deep and warm tone. Also, our new SX Series is amazing, especially the S5X. I particularly love the action of this model.

The Bösendorfer Model 185 exhibits all the world-renowned hallmarks of the Viennese piano maker

What do you most enjoy about working at Yamaha Music London?

It is always lovely to meet new people who come in to our piano hall and to talk to them. Everyone has different preferences in music, and very different piano skills. Whether they are keen amateurs or accomplished professionals, most people really enjoy trying our different instruments, comparing them and ultimately finding their favourite one.

The Piano Hall at Yamaha Music London

What has been the highlight so far?

For me the highlight so far would be Hiromi's visit and concert on the S3X grand piano, when she launched our new SX Series of grands. She is an amazing jazz pianist and composer with a very distinct style, and it was a truly inspiring performance.

Hiromi's spectacular performance on the Yamaha S3X at the Yamaha Music store