Kristine Balanas

Which people would you invite as guests to your dream dinner party?

Jack Nicholson, Pythagoras, Victor Lustig, Salvador Dalí, Stanley Kubrick, Nikola Tesla, Johann Sebastian Bach, and my family.

What is your favorite meal?

Avocado smoothie.

Do you have a favorite motto or proverb that you live your life by?

To never give up!

Which person or people inspire you the most?

My supportive family and friends.

If you were 80 years old, what advice would you give to young people today?

I don’t know, I will let you know when I am 80!

How do you overcome the stage fright? / What is your ritual before going on stage?

By doing some lindy hop dancing.

When you perform... who are you playing for?

To the little beetle on my sleeve called Toby.

What job would you least like to do?

To be a butcher.

Is there a joke about musicians that you would like to share with us?

Jacques Thibaud, the violinist, was once handed an autograph book by a fan while in the greenroom after a concert. "There's not much room on this page," he said, "What shall I write?" Another violinist, standing by, offered the following helpful hint: "Write your repertoire."

What's the "most played" non-classical track on your phone?

Chick Corea, "You’re everything."

You are on a desert island and can bring only 3 items, what do you bring?

An axe, a lighter and a private jet.

What is your favorite noise/sound? What is the most annoying noise for you?

Like: Flexatone. Hate: The sound of chewing.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

At the International Space Station.

What is the first thing you think about when you hear the word Tchaikovsky?

Pathétique.

What is the first thing you think about when you hear the word competition?

Where and when?