Sandro Meszaros
Born in Lugano, Sandro Meszaros is a cellist whose musical path began at the age of five and has led him to international acclaim. He studied under Thomas Grossenbacher at the Zurich University of the Arts, graduating in 2023, and has received guidance from prominent soloists throughout his career. A recipient of multiple national and international awards, including first prize at the Antonio Salieri Competition in Legnago, he has been supported by the Rahn Kulturfonds since 2022. Sandro’s approach to classical music is deeply expressive, driven by a desire to connect emotionally and narratively with his audience, challenging the formal boundaries of tradition and performance spaces.
In conversation with Sandro Meszaros during the exhibition Oltre la pietra at Castelgrande, Bellinzona.
What is the purpose in your work?
In the last years, I have become increasingly aware that human connection, the relationship between people, is what I seek most in my life. This happens not only through language but also through music and artistic expression. I compare music to language, and I want to stand in front of people to tell a story, to express something meaningful, not just to show virtuosity. Having played the cello since I was five, I am able to express myself by stepping outside the traditional rules of classical music, going beyond what is usually considered "normal."
How do you see the role of the artist today?
The role of artists is highly valued in society. Every time I say I am a musician or, more broadly, an artist, people immediately associate my life with doing what I love, connecting pleasure and passion to life. On the other hand, from a practical standpoint, being a musician is a very challenging job. There is a strong pressure to “love what you do every day,” and for me, this work is also very intense, finding the reasons or needs that are fulfilled by what I do professionally. This aspect hasn't changed much over the years, but what has become clearer is how art is becoming more political and digital.
Tell us about the project you presented at Oltre la pietra
I wanted to be part of Matazz since they first started organizing exhibitions. This is the first time I have been able to attend, even just as an audience member. Playing today, I realized how wonderful what they have created is, especially the opportunity to connect it to a gem of the Ticino region: its castle. The reason I think I’m here is to offer a slightly different perspective from what has been presented in recent days by bringing classical music and, in a way, challenging some stereotypes around it. For example, the idea that classical music can only be listened to in concert halls. Here, I have the chance to do the opposite, to perform in a space where my music accompanies the artworks already displayed in the castle. As I said earlier, I wanted to emphasize human exchange, arriving at the event’s finissage by bringing one last color, giving a final chance for connection between the works and the artists who exhibited at Matazz Oltre la pietra.