Who or what inspired you to take up conducting and pursue a career in music?
I began to learn the piano at the age of five and a half. There was never any question of me doing anything else in life. Conducting came much later in my life as a natural progression from playing the piano. I consider myself a musician who uses one of two media to express myself: piano and conducting.
Who or what are the most significant influences on your musical life?
My teachers, who embedded in me a sense of deep appreciation for the beauty of sound.
What, for you, is the most challenging part of being a conductor? And the most fulfilling aspect?
Conducting is much more difficult than it often appears. In this day and age, when musicians are so sophisticated and demanding, one must stand in front of them and gain their respect. When ultimately you connect with them, the music-making can be exhilarating.
As a conductor, how do you communicate your ideas about a work to the orchestra?
The less said the better. Gestures, when properly conveyed, speak a million words.
How exactly do you see your role? Inspiring the players/singers? Conveying the vision of the composer?
To get the best out of the players and to inspire them to share your vision of the composer’s intentions.
Is there one work which you would love to conduct?
Always the one I am currently studying.
Do you have a favourite concert venue to perform in?
Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford; Carnegie Hall; Musikverein in Vienna.
Who are your favourite musicians/composers?
Those whose music/music-making moves me
As a musician, what is your definition of success?
Every time you make progress, you succeed.
What do you consider to be the most important ideas and concepts to impart to aspiring musicians?
Find your own voice
How do we grow the audiences for classical music?
Use every means to bring people to concerts. It is our job, as performers, to win them over. If we don’t, we have failed.
What is the one thing about which our industry is not talking and how would you approach bringing about this change?
Too many run-of-the-mill performances emanating from lack of rehearsal time and a reluctance to delve deep into the music.
Where would you like to be in 10 years’ time?
I hope to be still alive
What is your most treasured possession?
My family
Marios Papadopoulos, renowned pianist and Music Director of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, is founder of the Oxford Piano Festival. This year’s Festival takes place between 26 July and 3 August. Find out more here
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