Blog #7
Who said conducting was a lonely business?
Earlier this month I was chosen as an active participant for a new project called ‘Online Masterclass with Maestro Neeme Järvi' organised by Meta Artists International. We kicked off on the 18th December and we go through with sessions right up to the 12th Jan.
As part of the masterclass I have 6 individual sessions with Maestro and there are 60 hours in total of lessons I can watch. There are 20 participants from around the world. At a time when we are in the midst of a devastating second wave of the virus worldwide, it is pure joy to connect, meet and talk with all these colleagues. There is so much we share and have in common.
Neeme Järvi is a legend and you can read more here. The head of a musical dynasty, Neeme Järvi is one of today’s most highly respected maestros. He conducts the world’s most prominent orchestras and works alongside soloists of the highest calibre. He is now 83 and his wise words and advice are firmly marked up in my scores and will stay with me forever. Each lesson he creates a clear path for individual development and challenge, delivered with charm and wit. He is so generous with his time and we run over every session. Each session finishes with a Q&A and ‘Music Quiz’ where he introduces us to music and composers which are completely new to me.
Topics include; the psychology of leading an orchestra, relationships with musicians, organization, conducting technique, his long-term collaboration and friendship with composer Arvo Pärt, visiting Shostakovich, working with Ivry Gitlis and many more.
This masterclass continues in the new year. It is an honour to be part of this exciting venture and huge thanks to Meta Artists International, Natalja Slobodyreva and Tatiana Papastoitsi.
For those of you interested in NEW Sinfonia, keep your eyes peeled tomorrow for some exciting news! ;)
Rob
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