25. Living in the Moment with Violinist & Artistic Director Madeleine Easton

February 9, 2021

Madeleine Easton

Violinist & Artistic Director

9 February 2021
Entertainment

A Simple Choice: Happiness

Madeleine Easton is an entrepreneur—the artistic director of her own ensemble, Bach Akademie Australia—and a violinist whose first love is the music of J.S. Bach. Madeleine also knows how to boogie. She has a background in dance and isn’t afraid to break out the shoulder pads and 80s dance moves. We chat about a wide range of topics, from the importance of happiness and surrounding yourself with joy—to sci-fi and Star Wars.

Madeleine’s Links

Website: Bach Akademie Australia

Inspiration

Think Like a Monk: The Secret of How to Harness the Power of Positivity and be Happy Now Jay Shetty

"Talk about helping me live in the moment—it’s been brilliant, actually. I cannot recommend this book enough”.

The Island of the Day Before by Umberto Eco

"One of the funniest books about time zones I’ve ever read”.

The Magic of an Audience

Madeleine speaks compellingly about the power of live performance: of that bond, that connection between performer and listeners—musician and audience.

When I’m up there on stage, the thing I love most is being able to look someone in the face—to find people in the audience and play to them. And when I know that they are with me, that’s when the magic happens.

Madeleine Easton

Madeleine Easton directing the Bach Akademie in Sydney.

Bach Akademie Concert – a view of the choir.

An audience brings this incredible, intangible, indescribable feeling of connection. Whether that’s one person or a thousand, it doesn’t matter. It’s this ability to just connect and play that collectively takes us both somewhere else.

Madeleine Easton

Invest in Yourself & Your Happiness

Surround yourself with things you love

“Buy once and buy well” is a wonderful way to invest in yourself and your happiness. It’s about choosing quality over quantity and embraces sustainability over our disposable, throw-away culture.

Get some fresh air

Self-care is about taking care of your mind and your body. Move your body, get some fresh air, join a friendly running group, go dancing! Do whatever you need to do to get yourself going.

Are you (really) happy?

“At the end of the day, if you can go to bed at night asking yourself, am I happy? Am I genuinely happy today? And if the answer is yes, then that is success.”

Listen to the full episode...

You'll hear Madeleine geek out over Star Wars. We share a love of sci-fi, although (confession time) I’m still not sure I’ve seen Star Wars from beginning to end. If you fancy some science fiction viewing recommendations, try these for size: Utopia (my personal favourite), Humans (also amazing), Black Mirror and, of course, Star Wars. May the Force be with you.

It’s that idea of investing in yourself in day-to-day life, no matter what you do, which will give you the rewards.

Madeleine Easton

Style Notes

Are you a classic hourglass shape like Madeleine? (and me)

If so, as Madeleine so rightly says: “everything needs a waist”. Otherwise, yes, you might look like you’re “wearing a potato sack”. Embrace those curves! Show off your lovely feminine figure.

And if, like Madeleine, you want to embrace your inner Audrey Hepburn, go for those fabulous retro 1950s looks. Vintage shops are a great place to start. Even if it means wearing a little cocktail dress to the supermarket, or popping on your stunning Dior-inspired dress in the comfort of your own home… Your “pandemic style” can be whatever you want it to be.

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About ALSO in PINK

Welcome to the ALSO in PINK podcast with host Alexandria Lawrence, a certified KonMari consultant, personal stylist and specialist in biophilic interior design.

ALSO in PINK offers candid conversations with industry leaders and influencers, clients and friends, about what it means to live well.