Cellist Ifetayo Ali-Landing is a guest soloist featured in the commissioned world premiere of Joel Thompson’s breathe/burn: an elegy.
Chicago Sinfonietta’s MLK Tribute Concert: The Arc premieres virtually on Sunday, March 28 at 3pm CT. Need tickets?
Favorite spot in Chicago?
This question is kind of hard to answer because it really depends on the season. In the summer, my favorite spot is The Ledge (more commonly known as Oak Street beach)! For a small part of the summer before and after my out-of-state music festivals, I would spend almost every day there with my friends. In the colder months, my go-to spot was the Water Tower Place!
What / who inspired you to be a musician?
Because my mother is a musician and a Suzuki teacher, it was mandatory that my siblings and I played instruments growing up (and practiced every day). However, she was also the person who inspired me to try and become a professional musician (even though I do not think that was necessarily her intention). I used to go to all of her orchestra concerts with the Chicago Sinfonietta, and at some point, it clicked that I wanted to be just like her and perform all of the time. [Note: Ifetayo’s mother is a long-time member of the Chicago Sinfonietta.]
Your biggest supporters?
My biggest supporters by far are my family members! My mom, dad, sisters, aunt, grandma, and grandpa have been there every step of the way, cheering me on and making my dreams come true!
You chose your instrument because?
I believe I switched from violin to cello because my mother needed one of her children to help her start her cello program at her music school, which had previously only offered violin and piano. However, the adults in my family believe that I begged for years to play the cello.
Regardless, it is a decision that I am glad one of us made because I absolutely love the cello.
What inspires you?
What inspires me to keep practicing is that I love getting better at everything I do, I love learning, and I love seeing myself progress. What inspires me to keep performing is that I can impact someone’s day just by playing a few notes. That still blows my mind.
If you could collaborate with any artist from any field, who would it be?
100% Beyoncé. No brainer.
If you could invite any three musicians to dinner, living or deceased, who would they be and why?
Beyoncé, because as a fellow Virgo, I have so many questions, Florence Price because I want to hear her talk about her life and her experiences more, and Flo Milli because I think she would be a fun person to have dinner with.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
I would probably be pursuing a career in dance, going to school for business or computer science.
Favorite way to relax?
Sleeping, watching a movie, or driving. I wouldn’t say I like driving, but it does put me to sleep instantly for some reason.
