How do you listen to music most often?
Of course it would be nice to sit down and listen to some of the great old vinyl records, but because of my crazy schedule I buy it on iTunes.
What was the first ever record/CD you bought?
I bought my very first record from my savings when I was about five years old. It was an audio tape of a famous Lithuanian theatre company, Keistuoliai, who recorded a fairytale, Geltonu plytu kelias (The Wizard of Oz), in a Lithuanian sung version with dialogue. I knew every word and tune. I used to put the recording on, open the windows wide and sing with all my heart. And, to be honest, I was always expecting that outside those windows there was an audience.
What was the last piece of music you bought?
Gluck’s Orphée et Eurydice.
If you found yourself with six months free to learn a new instrument, what would you choose?
I would love to learn the Lithuanian tuned-percussion folk instrument called the skrabalai. I can imagine how much fun that would be!
Is applauding between movements acceptable?
If the audience is applauding, it means that they like it. For example, in jazz, after the solo, people clap and there’s nothing wrong with that.
What’s been your most memorable live music experience as an audience member?
Most likely, when I was accidentally seated very near my now-future husband. We were listening to Verdi’s Requiem and quietly writing messages to each other – obviously about the music!
We’re giving you a time machine: what period or moment in musical history, would you travel to and why?
I would not want to travel to another time – in case I would not want to come back. I believe in the current time in music.
Do you enjoy musicals? Do you have a favourite?
Sometimes, yes. My favourite so far is Notre-Dame de Paris by Riccardo Cocciante. I like the story and melodies. There are distinct characters and the music clearly speaks - the composer and his librettist did a great very good job giving a new life to Victor Hugo’s novel in a musical format.
What, in your opinion, is the best new piece written in the past 50 years?
I adore the music of Arvo Pärt. For me his music is timeless. If I had to pick one piece it would be Spiegel im Spiegel.
Which non-classical musician would you love to work with?
I’m afraid my favourites aren’t living anymore. I would have loved to work with Dean Martin.
What do you sing in the shower?
I will keep this as my secret.
It’s late, you’ve had a few beers, you’re in a Karaoke bar. What do you choose to sing?
I think it’s fun to go to karaoke with your friends, and I will sing whatever they ask me to. The most frequent request is Mariah Carey’s Hero.
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Justina Gringyte sings the lead role in Scottish Opera’s production of Carmen, opening 7 October and touring until 12 November.
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