 |
|
| Interview |
 |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
Why did you choose to come to the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra?
Almost a year ago, I had the privilege to work for the first time with the wonderful musicians of the NJSO on a program including Carmina Burana. From the first day of our collaboration, I felt that there was a very special kind of chemistry between us. In the following months, through rehearsals and meetings, I got to know the Orchestra better, as well as the very unique surrounding community. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be part of this exciting adventure, and more importantly, I feel honored to have been chosen as the new Music Director of the NJSO.
What does it mean to you to become the NJSO’s new Music Director?
As Music Director, I become not only the leader of these world-class musicians, but I also join a great team fully dedicated to bringing the best music to our broad audiences. |
|
| |
|
| |
What can we expect from your programming choices as NJSO Music Director?
I’ve always regarded art—and especially music—as being a very unique way to communicate. I hope that each and every program we put together and perform for our audiences will bring to everyone the sense that we’ve experienced something very special together.
Do you envision new directions for the NJSO?
I am fascinated by all the resources and the enormous potential that we have here in New Jersey, and I want to create an artistic vision that represents the best of what we are, and to stimulate collaborations with the different partners of our community. For me, a symphony orchestra has to be the “driving force” of our musical and cultural scene.
How will you build connections with NJSO audiences and New Jerseyans who have not yet experienced the NJSO?
My role as Music Director is not only to be responsible for the artistic vision and to conduct most of our main series concerts, but also to be involved in all aspects of the organization including, among other things, our very important educational programs that bring symphonic music to younger generations of music lovers. Above all, I want to be part of this community and to communicate and share my passion for music with everyone.
What is the most important aspect of the relationship between a music director and his musicians?
More than being a conductor, I am a musician. Therefore, the members of our orchestra are my colleagues with whom I share my love for music. Together, we should always try to recreate that first emotional impact music made on us.
What inspired you to become a conductor?
I was first trained as an organist and felt pretty lonely, isolated in the choir loft! I’ve always wanted to make music with people. But without knowing it at the time, organ was the best training for me as a conductor, since the organ is in a way almost a kind of orchestra by itself.
What makes conducting so thrilling to you?
It is always very exciting to be part of a performance that brings together so many talents and try, performance after performance, to reach for perfection and share beautiful music with an audience.
What runs through your mind while you are conducting?
The mind of a conductor is usually pretty busy while conducting. When I conduct, my main focus is to share a special moment of beauty with people. Music is the highest and most intimate way of communicating that I have ever experienced.
What is on your iPod?
First, I have to tell you that this “toy” called the iPod changed my life! My wife offered me my first iPod as a gift for my debut at the Met in 2004. I just couldn’t believe that this tiny little device could hold so much music and would allow me to travel the world with my entire CD collection! Today, I have two 160GB iPods, one for the opera repertoire and the other one for the symphonic repertoire, as well as pop, rock, jazz and podcasts (mostly about current affairs). So, I guess the question could have been: What isn’t on my iPods?
If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you want to have with you?
My wife, a good wine cellar (if possible) and a few good books. (I wouldn’t take any music with me, since I can always play music in my head!) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
| |
New Jersey Symphony Orchestra · 60 Park Place, 9th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102 · Telephone 973.624.3713 · Fax 973.624.2115 |
|
|
|
