Maria Nauen Talks Life as a Conductor, Author, and Educator Ahead of BICO Anniversary Concerts

[Update: As of Jun 18, the anniversary concert has been postponed until further notice]

As Beijingers know, Beijing offers some of the most spectacular cultural events in the world. Next month we will have yet another opportunity to witness performances by a pillar of the Beijing arts and culture scene. The Beijing International Chamber Orchestra (BICO) will be celebrating its 14th birthday with a pair of anniversary concerts on Jun 19 and 20, at the A. C. Embassy Hotel. The event will feature amazingly talented musicians performing masterpieces from Beethoven and Glinka, as well as contemporary compositions by BICO founder, conductor, and artistic director, Maria Nauen.

Chances are if you have been in Beijing for a while and are involved in the arts scene or charitable causes, then Nauen's name, at least, is probably already familiar to you. Born to renowned Russian artists Lioudmila Kartavaya and Nikolay Petrov, the multi-talented Maria Nauen was fully immersed in the exciting and glorious world of fine arts, music, and performance from the very beginning. An accomplished violinist and composer with a formidable musical background, Nauen first came to China in 2003. She met her German husband while performing in Harbin, and both ended up coming back to Beijing a few years after Nauen’s first visit. They have called Beijing home ever since.

Nauen founded BICO in 2007, and has dedicated her life to serving the community through her work with the orchestra. BICO is a non-profit organization that aims to gather together Chinese and foreign amateur and professional musicians, with the objective of bringing classical music to audiences of different ages, backgrounds, and musical tastes across China and throughout Asia. The Beijing International Chamber Orchestra is a true manifestation of Nauen’s passion for music, people, teaching, and service, with the majority of BICO performances devoted to supporting charities, fundraisers, and other non-profit organizations.  

Nauen's accomplishments are impressive, indeed. But of course, there is much more to a person than an impressive resume. I wanted to get a sense of Maria Nauen as a person, and so I spoke to her to find out a bit more about her life, her experiences as a musician and artist, her family, her drive, and what she finds most gratifying about the work that is clearly so important to her.

I know your parents were artists. Are there any other artists in your family? And what about your husband, is he also an artist? 
“My husband? No, he is actually the only person in the family who’s not an artist! He works in a high-tech job, as a service engineer with an Austrian company, WFL Millturn Technologies. But since we got married, he is a huge supporter of art and music. As far as the rest of my family, there are three generations of artists. Both of my grandmothers worked in theater, designing, if you can use that word about those times [after World War II], sewing costumes for actors and actresses in stage performances.  And my daughter is also an artist, who maybe gets her artistic flair from her great-grand-moms!” 

So, do you think your daughter will be the next generation of artists in the family?
“Yes, Anastasia, my daughter, from her early childhood was very gifted. She started learning music (violin and piano) from age four, as well as drawing, painting, and sewing. So, she was actually doing everything that both of the two previous generations were doing professionally, but all at once, and starting at just four years old. After graduating from the German Embassy School in Beijing, she moved to Berlin, where she has now graduated from two different universities, and received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in fashion design.”

So far, given everything I know about you, it seems like your whole life is centered around the arts. Do you have any hobbies outside of the arts?
 “In addition to being a conductor at BICO, I am also an author, educator, and handcrafter. And though most of what I’m involved with is within the realm of the arts, in addition to my artistic passions, ‘Charity’ is my middle-name and I'm a Greenpeace soul. I am deeply engaged in helping others, giving back, and overall doing what I can to save people and our planet.”  

It sounds like you are kind of a Symphonic Superwoman! 
“Kind of. There are not too many women-conductors, because it's often been thought of as a job for a strong man. It's hard work, not just physically, but also mentally. Women-conductors have no chance for being too soft, too feminine, or having any doubts about what [they’re] doing on stage. Every member of the orchestra must have the feeling of total trust in the conductor. It does not make me masculine, but it does make me believe my spirit is strong.”

What is your overall opinion of the arts in Beijing? 
“I think that Beijing is an absolutely awesome city, full of possibilities and opportunities for all artists, musicians, and creative people. Also, in my opinion, China is extremely supportive of all kinds of arts, and I find it extraordinary! Nowhere in the world can [an] artist get such support. Beijing is a pretty great city overall, and truly an awesome place for artists. Whether you are making art, collecting it, or just enjoying it, there is an amazing art and culture scene here. So, whether you are creating it, admiring it, or supporting it in any way, you are also a part of this unique, diverse, international Beijing art scene.” 

You have been in Beijing for 15 years. In your opinion, what’s the difference between now and back then? And how has the Beijing art scene changed? 
“Wow! It’s a completely different China now. As for the arts, Beijing, and China as a whole do a great job at continuing to introduce more great Western artists; letting people experience it, understand it, and love it. As an educator, I have also seen the shift up close and personal. I think that China has been raising the new generation of connoisseurs, and [I think] that adding more Western-style education in the mix is allowing people to understand classical and modern art better. Also, many Chinese students are going abroad to study music and art, and coming back to China with firsthand knowledge of Western culture.” 

What makes this upcoming event so special? Why should people come?
 “It’s going to be a celebration of life! BICO is my baby, and this is the 14th anniversary of the birth of this conception. And after a year without in-person performances, this is sure to be something memorable you won’t want to miss!”

As you can see, Maria Nauen is a pretty magnificent person, and the BICO anniversary celebration concerts shouldn’t be missed. Make sure to mark your calendars for an elegant evening of music, and come out to support these remarkable musicians, as well as our diverse Beijing community.

You can find more information about the Beijing International Chamber Orchestra at www.bico-china.com

Beijing International Chamber Orchestra Anniversary Concerts
Tickets available online only; scan QR code on event poster to purchase. RMB 88–388. 4pm. A. C. Embassy Hotel (English 158 1124 3143, Chinese 6415 3388)

Be advised that due to COVID-19 restrictions public performances, tickets are limited.

To buy tickets, please scan one of the QR codes on the event poster below.

Concert venue: 
A. C. Embassy Hotel 26 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区东直门外大街26号奥加美术馆

Concert duration: two hours 

Dress code: formal 

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Images courtesy of Maria Nauen and the Beijing International Chamber Orchestra