Meet Loreta Kovacic | Musician and Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Loreta Kovacic and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Loreta, why did you pursue a creative career?
Ability to create is the most essential experience in our lives. My purpose in life is to create and perform music. I am the most grateful and the most joyful during the times of creating, producing. recording and performing songs. Those are the times of challenge, yet fluidity. Working with other musicians and artists is the most enjoyable kind of team work. Creating mew music gives a purpose and meaning to my world. I draw inspiration from the world around me, starting from my family, friends, my community and the big world that we inhabit.
Our souls reflect our reactions, feelings and thoughts in this world so creative process is never lonely. My new song “Grateful Heart” reflects this feeling of family and community ever present in our lives; it helps us get through tough times, such as the pandemic, illness, etc. I wrote this song during the time I was very sick with COVID.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I studied classical piano as a child but in High School I had a rock band that brought us some local fame in my native country of Croatia. I immigrated to the US pursuing my dream of becoming a classical pianist. I found out along the way that I also like teaching, so I combined the two careers of a performer and a teacher. This was a marvelous combination in Houston until I injured my hand while lifting my own piano. The bad case of chronic tendonitis ended my classical piano career with a very painful “Tortured Tendon Tour” that ended at Carnegie Hall in New York. This is when I had to invent something new for myself. I did not want to leave the field of music, so I started composing my own music and singing. My first attempts at singing were a disaster, but with time, I got better. I published my first album with original songs at that time, entitled “Cantabile”. I continued creating music and now I am about to publish my 8th album entitled “Fossil Pop & Piano”. Again I am grateful that I was able to come back to playing the piano, but this time as a creative artist. This album combines my original songs inspired by my community and my students with a few of my favorite classical piano pieces. It really represents me as an artist to the point.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely show them Smither Park by the Orange Show and the Art Car Museum, the two authentically Houston art venues. The best time to visit Houston is during the Art Car Parade because it is uniquely Houston experience and Joe and I perform there at the Stage for children. My favorite restaurant is Pondicheri on Kirby, and it’s because the chef there is an artist. I love eating authentic Bosnian and Croatian food at CAFE ADEL, and that is why I perform there every other Friday. Come experience that! I often go for Tex-Mex at Berryhill, the Heights staple. You can also find me drinking coffee at Antidote in the Heights: great music, relaxed atmosphere, neighborhood vibe, just perfect.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have so many people to thank. I will start with these three: Joe Parani, Stanislav Kovacic and John Edward Ross. Joe Parani, my husband is my rock. He gave me a home-made theremin one Christmas and I turned it around by asking him to become my theremin player forever. Other then being a space flight engineer at NASA, he always performs with me on his very unique instrument that he assembled from a kit he bought online.
I am also very grateful to my brother, Croatian artist and cellist, Stanislav Kovacic. He contributes his beautiful cello parts to so many of my songs. I would really love to perform with him here in Houston some day soon.
My wonderful producer, John Edward Ross really understands my songs and does his magic around them in very beautiful arrangements and orchestrations.

Website: https://www.loretakovacic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loretakovacic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loreta.k.parani

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRHeOcSi-GgAsmthYsOsSzw

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/69tEBWlLtbCy2XLJAupSMF?si=CvV9yeONScKCuatOKHIoiA