OK, need to start somewhere… well, lets try
First of all, I’ve started this blog to give for you a better idea of how it is - you know - “the life of the star” ;)))
But really, I thought you might find it quite interesting, those of you who’ve never been to, or maybe are planning to go to the places I’m travelling to with work engagements. Finally, it might be very helpful to know “the view from the side” on your life and life of society.
I’m writing this first blog on the plane from Liverpool to Madrid, surrounded by young families with kids, going off for their holidays in Spain, and feel a little alien in my business suit in this company.
Nevertheless, it’s August and I’m off to conduct a production of Verdi’s opera, Macbeth for the next two weeks or so in La Coruna in Spain.
A very busy season with the Liverpool Phil ended with our performance at the Proms. I’ve since been touring with the European Union Youth Orchestra in Italy and Germany, so now I’m expecting a little bit of sunshine together with plenty of rehearsals).
A year ago, I conducted La Boheme at the same festival in Spain. I had a few struggles with the “primadonna” in that production who skipped two rehearsals due to “bad mood and mosquitoes in the night” and afterwards was insisting that I didn’t know the opera (which I’ve conducted quite a few times in my life!).
Hope this time it’ll be smoother – at least I can speak Russian with Lady Macbeth! And very much looking forward to the great cuisine of Galicia: pulpo a la gallego (Galicia’s signature dish made with octopus) and good Albarinho wine wait for me there. You should try it!
Oops, “fasten your seat belts”! We coming down to land in Barajas, so I must switch off my laptop. Please, don’t hesitate to write to me if you have any questions – I can’t promise to answer them immediately, but will try to do as many as I can!
18 comments:
A blog - fantastic. Are your family with you in Spain? Did I read that Macbeth is going to New York? Will you be conducting? I have two friends in Connecticut who will definitely go to see you.
Hi, I found out about your blog through 'facebook' so I thought I'll check it out. My name is Jane and I will soon be a postgraduate student at the University of Liverpool. I hope you are enjoying yourself in Spain? I really liked the last season at the phil from Tavener's Requiem to Elvis Costello.
It's wonderful that you've found time in your very busy life to start a blog. We travelled from Liverpool for your debut at the Proms and were truly proud of you! Hope the marvellous write-ups in the London Press will not entice you away from us! Looking forward to next season's programme and hope for many more to come. Love your new photographs!
Dear jill! Glad, that you like an idea with a blog. Family at the moment in a Wirral - couldn't make Shengen visa for this trip... Macbeth Verdi will go to Glyndebourne in 2010 (but, I think, with another singers and decorations set). About US - I'm quite a lot there in 2008-09 and 2009-10, so, your friends will have a chance )))
Dear ithel, thanks for a good words about a season, I think Capital of Culture Year goes quite well sofar, at least at the Phil!
For queenjaime - both pronounces are acceptable, in Russia it's VasIly, but on the western countries it goes naturally to VAsily (maybe 'cause of Va-"sIlly" doesn't sound right for some people ;)
Hi joyceandcarole! I've been absolutely amazed, how may liverpoodlians travelled sown to London for Prom and by their huge support there! Don't worry about London Press - it's good that they love me, but it's GREAT and much more important, that they love RLPO. And, as I've said many times - Liverpool is a fabulous cultural city, and must grow up even further with more attention and perspective from goverment side!
The RLPO are awesome! I keep arguing with my mum that they are even better than the Berlin Phil (because she comes from Berlin). I say they have more pazazz and charisma and they smile non stop at the end of performances to acknowledge the audience (not that the Berlin don't..but keep telling them to take smiling lessons from Mr Bracken because we love it).
Are you watching the TV programme Maestro? a group of novice celebrities are trained as conductors, and one will be picked to perform at the Proms... it's very amusing. :)
Another question. How long did you train as a conductor? and how did you hear of the RLPO?
ok, im hogging space now. Have a lovely time in Spain. From Hannah.
Dear Vasily, thank you for your message. So far you seem to be the only person to talk about the positive affects of the Capital of Culture. Which is a shame really, as there is alot of excitement around the city. Good luck for your next season.
Greetings maestro! I am a trumpet training to become a conductor in my final year of uni and after hearing Nimrod being played I love the idea of being able to convey passion and the flexibility conducting brings!
I am a huge fan of yours, and I was wondering would there be a chance at all in the future to come and see you take a rehearsal and speak to you about conducting? or even if you do any masterclasses in conducting at the phil?
thanks :)))
Sean
Oh this is so cute! I want to read more! MOAR!!!
Hello,Vasily,Please don't ever leave the Liverpool Phil!I have been coming to concerts at the Phil since 1944 when ny Father bought tickets for my sister and myself for a series of children's concerts conducted by Sir Malcolm Sargent.I am, therefore now in my 64th season!!In all the years since I have been coming to the Phil,I can honestly say that concerts have never been so exciting (with superb playing by the orchestra) as they are under your superb direction!!I can see that the orchestra will go on from strength to strength under your inspired leadership.
Kind regards,
Walter.
2 hannah:
I've seen "maestro" once about July and found it very funny! But, imediately said, that this drum'n'roll guy is better than the others )))
I've trained as conductor since I've been 7 y.o., and keep training and improving myself everyday!
2sean:
no problems with attending rehearsal. Chat can be sorted out as well. Masterclasses - not yet, I think age difference is not big enough. Maybe in 3-4 years....
2walter:
thank you very much for your support of the Phil! Question of staying in Liverpool will be, as I've said in many interviews, related to "what goverment and patrons of the city will do for the Phil"! I think after more than 60 years of attending you deserved a decent parking, much better foye and cafes, more convenient transport links... And orchestra needs normal dressing rooms, area for practice, easier storage for the instruments etc. If after "year of capital of culture" improvements will not move forward and everyone will say Well done!That's it!, it'll be a big disappointment for me.
we miss your posts! :)
Looking forward very much to the Elgar 2nd Symphony in March. In my humble estimation it is the greatest symphony of the 20th Century. I have heard you conduct it twice before and was impressed that a non-English conductor could really get into this very English music. Thank you so much for all you have done for music in Liverpool. This is my seventieth season at the Phil and I consider that the orchestra is at the height of its powers!
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