Ingrid Carbone’s days are intertwined between the rigor of mathematics and the poetry of music, between academic and artistic life, without ever forgetting the more intimate and personal dimension that makes each of her choices authentic.
This is how the pianist and mathematician describes herself in an article by Stefania Bonacina for the magazine “Io Donna”, which you can read here (in italian).
Ingrid Carbone’s description covers the course of a 24-hour period: her routine begins early, often with a gentle awakening brought by one of her three cats—all rescued from the streets—or by her dog. After a simple yet wholesome breakfast, perhaps enhanced by a cake baked by her mother in the hills of Cosenza, Ingrid prepares for her busy routine. Careful attention to her clothing is never left to chance: an elegantly chosen hat or accessory always completes her personal style.
The morning continues at the University of Calabria, where she teaches Mathematical Analysis. Here, between lectures, student office hours, and research, Ingrid brings with her not only the precision of numbers inherited from her mathematician father, but also the artistic sensibility that allows her to combine logical rigor with the depth of music.
Around lunchtime, Ingrid loves to carve out a moment of domestic intimacy with her husband, also a retired mathematics professor. Although she doesn’t follow a vegetarian diet, she favors simple, home-cooked dishes, such as traditional cabbage leaves stuffed with meat, a symbol of family-style cooking.
The afternoon can take many forms: when she’s not busy in the classroom, Ingrid is often traveling to tour with her “concert-conversations,” an original format she created in 2019 and which has now garnered international acclaim. On these occasions, music meets mathematical analysis and the historical-artistic context, creating unique experiences for the audience.
When she stays home, Ingrid dedicates at least three hours to studying and practicing the piano. During this time, she focuses on Liszt’s works, particularly Preaching to the Birds. Rehearsals are strictly behind closed doors: her pets, affectionate but curious, don’t hesitate to sneak under the keys or pedals during performances.
The evenings are tinged with quiet. After dinner, Ingrid often retreats to reading: she’s currently immersed in Georges Simenon’s Cargo, with the ambitious project of rereading his entire work in the original language. It’s during these moments, between a book and a notebook, that she jots down new ideas by hand, letting thoughts and inspirations flow.
