Sara Davis Buechner on Being a Transgender Concert Pianist
The Acclaimed Musician Talks About Piano, Performing In Japan, And How Coming Out Saved Her Life
Concert Recorded on June 19, 2019 in The Greene Space
Part of WQXR's Pride Celebration.
Part of WQXR's Pride Celebration.
From: Japan Today
By: Kathryn Wortley
As she approaches her sixth decade of playing the piano, Sara Davis Buechner remains as passionate as ever about the instrument she loves. While speaking with Sara in her home in Philadelphia, with a laugh she says she can never retire; music is in her soul and it should be shared.
It’s not surprising to learn that when the critically acclaimed concert pianist is not performing across the globe, she is avidly supporting future generations: teaching budding musicians at Temple University, presenting masterclasses, and judging international piano competitions.
Sara Davis Buechner |
Sara frequently visits Japan to spend time in her Japanese wife’s hometown and to perform for the New Japan Philharmonic, but she is preparing to return to Tokyo this month for one of her most ambitious projects yet: performing all 21 of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s piano concertos with the Tokyo Sinfonia over the course of eight concerts. This is a feat that has never before been attempted by one artist.
I think people have to understand that, for transgender people, feeling at peace with their gender is as essential as eating every day.
Sara Davis Buechner
As a prominent figure in music and proud transgender woman, Sara also appears at LGBTQ events to speak about her experience transitioning from David to Sara Davis, at age 39. Feeling trapped but obligated to play the part of David, Sara felt herself depressed and suicidal—until she found the strength to become who she was always meant to be.
We caught up with Sara to find out more about her passion for the piano, her musical journey, her upcoming challenge in Japan, and how she feels about her gender transition today.
Click here to read more.
I went to hear her play with the Buffalo Philharmonic. She was great! And at the per-concert talk she spoke mainly about the music, but also a little bit about being transgender. A very good spokesperson for the community.
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