PRECONCERT RITUALSJan Lisiecki

Professional musicians often spend much of their lives on the road performing in concert venues around the globe. Amid the hectic travel schedules, rehearsals, practice time and adjustments to a different time zone, culture and climate, regular routine is sacrificed. We asked Jan Lisiecki to share what pre-concert rituals help keep him grounded.

“Since concerts generally take place in the evening, performers have a particular challenge of being at the top of their game at the time of day when relaxation and eventual sleep are the usual activities.

I learned long ago that routines are impossible to keep, and when broken will throw you off – so it’s best not to have them in the first place. However, it is important to “conserve energy”, and especially to ensure that mental coherence and fortitude remains until the very end of the day.

Some days, if possible, I will have a nap before the concert. However, one has to be able to snap into a concert mood even after a long and challenging day, as ultimately I have made a commitment to the audience and always intend to fulfill it by giving it everything.”