Interviews with musicians, composers and conductors
The great thing about being a composer in the 21st century is that we no longer need to be the least bit affected by anyone’s arbitrary rules about what’s considered acceptable or not in concert music
The greatest challenge is the first attempt at composing every next work: inevitably I ask myself ‘Do I have something to say with this work? Are these notes relevant to the human condition of today?’
The moments when I’m on the podium, making music, and diving into a piece, connecting with all the musicians – those are the most rewarding and fulfilling aspects of being a conductor for me.
I love music that makes me feel so completely immersed and joyful that nothing else in that moment really matters. Music that takes you on a journey and can completely alter your mindset. As a composer, I suppose those attributes have started to seep into how I put a big emphasis on melody.
The concert is a chance to share the music and live a pretty irreplaceable experience, but I think I’m happiest, not accepting applause at the end of a concert but rather at the beginning of the process, making a cup of coffee, sharpening a pencil and opening a score for the first time, full of hope and possibility!
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