Sonic Twins: From Backstage Childhood to Vienna’s Stage
We are thrilled to welcome Sonic Twins – the enigmatic and virtuosic duo formed by sisters Anna and Anastasiia – for an extraordinary performance at the Piano Revenge Festival 2026.
Graduates of the Gnessin Academy of Music in composition and piano, these talented twins have made an indelible mark on the international music scene since launching their Sonic Twins project in 2020. Their musical universe, at the intersection of classical, neo-classical, jazz, ambient, and electronic, creates a bold dialogue where mesmerizing melodic motifs, surprising rhythms, and rich harmonies intertwine. Their signature? The four-handed piano, transformed into a sensory experience where every note captivates and transports. Having already graced our stages twice this year – first in Venice and then in Paris – they bring a unique energy and deeply personal artistry to every performance.
In this interview, they share the musical roots that shaped them, the stories behind their compositions, and what draws them to the Piano Revenge community.
PRM: “Every pianist has a unique story of how they first fell in love with the instrument. Could you share a bit about your musical journey? What first drew you to the piano, and who or what has been the most significant influence on your development as an artist?”
Music has always been at the heart of our family. Our mother graduated from the Gnessin College and taught piano, while our father organized concerts – including performances for the Moscow Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra. As a result, we spent our earliest years attending concerts, hanging out backstage, and soaking up that incredible atmosphere.
We didn’t start composing until later, during music school. Our first composition teacher, Satenik Megrabyan, became a true friend and our guide into the world of composition. She was the one who first introduced us to the music of Khachaturian, Schnittke, and Gubaidulina, as well as to the composers of Les Six and the second wave of the avant-garde. It all felt extraordinarily bold and fresh after the standard school repertoire. While most of our peers were attending concerts of Chopin, Mozart, and Beethoven, we were also going to festivals dedicated to contemporary avant-garde music. That experience really broadened our horizons and gave us – even as children – an understanding of just how diverse classical music can be.
PRM: “Your work as a pianist and composer is deeply personal. Could you tell us about the artistic journey behind the pieces you will be performing at Piano Revenge Days? What emotions or stories are you hoping to share with the audience through your piano art?”
Yes, there’s definitely something deeply personal behind each of our compositions. In some of our music, you can hear echoes of the more difficult and transformative periods of our lives – for example, in our new track Mid Point, or in the still-unreleased piece Farewell to Home.
At the same time, there are works like Cryptophasia. The title refers to “the secret language of twins” – a phenomenon in early childhood when twins communicate in ways only they can understand. It can involve mirrored actions, shared sounds, and unique forms of interaction.
Our parents often recall that when we were very young, before we had learned to speak, we would behave in exactly that way. In a sense, this piece is about us.
PRM: “Piano Revenge Festival is a unique, hundred percent independent event that brings together artists and audiences in intimate, rare and beautiful settings. What drew you to this project? What do you find special about being part of a festival where the focus is purely on art, community, and the love of piano music?”
This festival is truly centered on piano art, community, and a shared love of piano music. We really appreciate the format – the fact that we all perform together on one stage and get the chance to hear one another. It’s a way of supporting each other’s creativity, and often a real stimulus to compose something new. And just think of how many new collaborations and creative projects have emerged after just two editions of Piano Revenge in Paris!
PRM: “Vienna is a city with an unparalleled musical legacy – from Mozart and Beethoven to the modern avant-garde. What does performing in the heart of the Innere Stadt, just steps from the Hofburg Palace, mean to you personally? How does the spirit of Vienna influence your music or your approach to this performance?”
We live quite close to Vienna – it’s only a few hours’ drive for us. It’s one of our favorite cities in Europe. The entire city is infused with musical history, from the Viennese Classics and the Second Viennese School right up to the most contemporary art.
We also have many cinematic associations with Vienna – films by Haneke, among others. This time, my sister and I will finally perform there together (previously, Nastya performed with a chamber ensemble). And the venue itself is truly something special.
PRM: “Looking beyond this October, what are the dreams or projects that are currently inspiring you? Is there a particular composition you hope to complete, a collaboration you are dreaming of, or a musical boundary you are eager to explore next?”
We very much hope to finish the music for the short film we’re currently working on, and to begin the recording process for the new compositions that we plan to perform at Piano Revenge Days in Vienna.
