Interview with MIKA

How does it feel to be back, working on The Piano for a fourth time round?

“The Piano is a show that I am very proud to be part of. I love its positivity, celebrating UK culture, discovering talent and also hearing the stories behind why people play this magical instrument. I love that sense of anticipation in the stations, the quiet courage it takes for someone to sit down and play, and the magic that follows. Every series still surprises me, though. You think you understand the show, and then someone arrives with a story or a sound that completely disarms you. To be part of something that continues to evolve emotionally like that… it’s a privilege I don’t take lightly.”

What are you most looking forward to in series 4 of The Piano?

“Honestly, it’s the unknown. That moment before the first note, where anything could happen. That goosebump moment we all hope for that just stops everyone in their tracks. This time round, I’m especially excited to discover new personalities at the piano - not just technically impressive players, but people who bring something deeply personal. The ones who play from instinct, from memory, from heart- I feel like often, they’re the ones that stay with you.”

What changes can we expect, how will this series be different?

“Each series naturally becomes braver, both in who comes forward and in what they choose to share. This time what’s really exciting, is the introduction of a rotating cast of mentors. It brings a completely new energy to the show and a lot of different perspectives - each stop feels distinct, shaped by the musical instincts of whoever’s there, whether it’s Tiffany Poon in Birmingham or Jools Holland at London Bridge. That variety creates something more expansive, unpredictable and I think it has really enriched this series!”

How has your love for music and The Piano evolved, working on the series for the past 4 years?

“It’s made me listen differently. When you spend so much of your own career creating and performing, it is easy to sometimes forget the raw, instinctive relationship people around the world have with music. The Piano always reconnects me with that, with why we sit down to play in the first place. It’s not about perfection, it’s about expression. Over these four years, I’ve found myself more open, more curious, and more emotionally affected by music in its simplest form. The show has reminded me that music isn’t just something we perform - it’s something we carry, often very quietly, until we’re brave enough to share it.”

How does it feel to be back working with Claudia again?

“Working with Claudia is always special. She is so brilliant at putting people at ease and has this wonderful way of connecting with everyone. She is very kind but also incredibly articulate and quick witted! She loves this show as much as I do and fundamentally she makes me laugh which is a very important thing in life!”

What do you hope this year’s amateur pianists bring to the table?

“Their authentic selves and that little bit of unexplainable magic. Whether you are watching in a train station, part of the audience at Birmingham Symphony Hall or a viewer at home, that little bit of magic that makes gives you goosebumps. That’s what I am hoping for. A moment of magic.”