Nurturing Future Conductors Through the 'Conducting Fellowship'
Providing a Stage to Inspire the Next Generation
"As the music director of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, not only presenting excellent concerts but also nurturing young conductors will be my important legacy."
Yap van Zweden, music director of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, explained the reason for establishing the conductor training program 'Conducting Fellowship' during a round interview held at the Seoul Philharmonic rehearsal room on the 26th.
The Seoul Philharmonic has been running a special training program for next-generation conductors called the Conducting Fellowship since the 25th. Eight young conductors in their 20s and 30s, selected through a public competition, are participating, and van Zweden personally mentors them. He teaches core competencies required as a conductor, such as conducting techniques and musical interpretation.
Yap Pan Tsubeden, Music Director of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, is explaining the purpose of the 'Conducting Fellowship' during a round interview held at the Seoul Philharmonic rehearsal room on the 26th. [Photo by Seoul Philharmonic]
Music director van Zweden said, "Providing learning opportunities to young conductors is an obligation as a senior conductor." He added, "It is very important for young conductors to gain experience performing with an orchestra," emphasizing, "The goal of the Conducting Fellowship is to offer them a stage to perform with an actual orchestra and to inspire them through this experience."
Van Zweden, who is from the Netherlands, also shared a conversation with his close friend, football coach Guus Hiddink. "Coach Hiddink once advised me that 'we must pass on the knowledge and experience we have to the new generation.' I also want to share everything I know so that talented young conductors can grow into excellent musicians."
He particularly emphasized to young conductors the importance of "not being impatient." "I always advise, 'Don't rush too much.' Instead of chasing a career, if you focus on your music, you will make good music, and naturally, your career will follow. Above all, the most important thing is to truly love what you do. I hope young conductors always keep the joy of conducting."
The Conducting Fellowship runs until the 27th. After the three-day program, the conductor who will lead the special concert held at Jamsil Lotte Concert Hall on the 28th will be selected. Van Zweden expressed anticipation, saying, "The conductor for the special concert on the 28th will not be me but will be decided by a direct vote of the Seoul Philharmonic members. I am also curious about who will be chosen."
Yap Pan Tsubeden, Music Director of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra (right), is sharing conducting know-how with composer and conductor Choi Jae-hyuk (left), who is participating in the 'Conducting Fellowship,' at the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra rehearsal room on the 26th. Photo by Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra
The concert program includes the Prelude and Liebestod from Wagner's opera Tristan und Isolde, Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante, and Bart?k's Concerto for Orchestra.
Regarding Bart?k's work, van Zweden said, "Although it is a challenging piece, the Seoul Philharmonic is an excellent orchestra capable of delivering a superb performance," adding, "I am proud to be the music director of the Seoul Philharmonic."
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