lifestyles | perfect pitch
A Royal Ode By PAT R I C K D. M C C OY
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nternationally acclaimed conductor Michael Tilson Thomas found time between performances to discuss his Washington appearance, new musical trends and the thrill of conducting before Queen Elizabeth II WASHINGTON LIFE: How were you initially introduced to classical music and the notion of pursuing a career as a conductor? Michael Tilson Thomas: My family had been involved in the performing arts in one way or another for a number of generations. My grandfather, Morris Tomashevsky, was the founder of the Yiddish Art Theater in the United States, where a lot of very important things later became known as Broadway. My mother and father both worked in the movie industry and now, here I am. WL: This season marks several milestones for you, including your 20-year tenure as music director of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. What is your secret to maintaining interest and excitement in longstanding relationships? mtt: I am an explorer, like to ask questions and enjoy setting challenges for myself. That keeps the relationship fresh and also keeps our relationship with the audience fresh, which is constantly developing. The ideal concert should have one piece that is entertaining, one that is challenging and one that is reaffirming. That is the kind of program that we try to do — something that really stretches your imagination as to what music can be. WL: What are some of the notable technological trends you have benefited from as a conductor? mtt: I’ve worked a lot in the field of television and in more recent years with online projects. Many of these were pioneering projects exploring television series connected with websites such as the series that the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra did called “Keeping Score” or the creation of the Youtube Symphony Orchestra, which still has the record of being viewed by the
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largest number of viewers in history: 43 million. The New World Symphony is particularly devoted to the use of technology of all sorts. WL: Diversity is making a more pronounced presence in the world of classical music and the performing arts. What unique strides for the better have you witnessed over the years? mtt: Classical music is both an old and new language. It is always reinventing itself. When we are on stage playing those notes, we are all equal. Everyone has the opportunity to make a tremendous impression, transforming the lives of the listeners and our own lives as well. WL: Your program with the New World Symphony comes to us here in Washington with violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter. Tell us how this orchestra has prepared aspiring musicians for successful careers. mtt: The New World Symphony is an amazing academy of super talented people in their early 20s who are usually with us for a year or two and then go on to other great ensembles. In the course of my years, I see alums who have now become members and leaders of those orchestras. On tour in Washington, I will be joined by my friend Anne-Sophie Mutter who I have known since she was in her teens. This is what tends to happen in classical music; we go back a long way together. WL: You are in the midst of a concert series around the world to celebrate your 70th birthday, including stops in San Francisco, Princeton, Vienna and a performance for the Queen in London. How did the concept of a birthday concert tour come about?
Michael Tilson Thomas (Photo by Art Streiber)
mtt: Well, I guess my life has been defined by working with some very great artistic organizations and somehow we are woven into one another’s histories. That means that we have a lot of celebrating to do in many different parts of the world. WL: What was it like to perform for the Queen Elizabeth II? mtt: I have been fortunate to perform for her a number of times over the years, because she is the patron of the London Symphony Orchestra that I have been associated with for the last 40 years. But this was a unique occasion in that we were in Buckingham Palace. It was quite something to have this event put on both in honor of the orchestra and my history with the orchestra and my 70th birthday. Michael Tilson Thomas will conduct the New World Symphony in music of Schubert, Berg, Debussy and Moret on April 29 at The Kennedy Center presented by Washington Performing Arts.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| a p r il
2015
| washingtonlife.com