Future Focus with Andris Nelsons of CBSO…

1) What was your career path before becoming Music Director at the CBSO? I have played piano, trumpet and sung from a very early. I started my career by playing trumpet for the Latvian National Opera Orchestra and began to study conducting at 16. I became Principal Conductor of Riga Opera when I was 22 and held tenure as Principal Conductor of the Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie in Germany, as well as making guest appearances with other orchestras across the world.

2) How important do you think it is for young professionals to have access to the arts and specifically classical music? I think it is extremely important. Art is food for our souls. We take care of our physical body by doing sport and eating the right food but we must not forget about our souls – we need to feed them with music and culture. I think it is also important that this is encouraged from the highest level like governments and councils and that we take care to educate people from an early age about looking after their inner worlds.

3) How do you normally prepare for a concert and wind down afterwards? In preparation I always read up about the piece and the composer. I analyse it technically, professionally and emotionally. I have to think about how I will present my ideas. Then we start to rehearse with the Orchestra and work on sections together. Before the concert I make sure I have had enough sleep and that I relax. After a concert I analyse and criticise myself. I think this is important, particularly when you are repeating a programme – it is how you learn and often it happens automatically without you thinking. After that, to switch off I sometimes start to look at a new score or maybe watch some TV.

4) What are you particularly looking forward to the next season? During the holidays I was really looking forward to getting back to work and seeing everybody. This season is very busy and exciting with lots of touring. I’m looking forward to meeting our audiences and seeing new and familiar faces. All of the concerts next season are going to be great so I couldn’t single one out.

5) What advice or recommendations would you give to a first-time concert-goer – are there any particular works you could suggest they saw? Just don’t be afraid. Don’t worry about what to wear or how to act. Take a friend and talk about the music afterwards. Make an evening out of it. Music is about everyday life and human beings so don’t be put off. The musicians on stage will open up to you so don’t be afraid. It can be a very emotional event so be prepared for that and cry if you want to.

6) What do you think of the CBSO’s rehearsal and performance venues? CBSO Centre is a great place for rehearsing. The acoustics are much dryer so this helps with the more technical work and helps the Orchestra acquaint themselves with the music. When we move to Symphony Hall we can the experiment with the acoustics. Symphony Hall is one of the best concert halls in the world and definitely the best in the UK. It is a pleasure to perform there.

7) How do you feel about being voted Number nine in this year’s Power50? I am surprised and very happy. I associate myself with the rest of the team – the Orchestra and its management so I am very happy that people have noticed us. This is also great for culture and I’m happy that we are recognised as a part of social life in Birmingham and hope that we can encourage more people to be part of it.

What is your favourite thing about Birmingham? The Orchestra! And the CBSO family. Other than that I like the M&S Food Hall!

9) You spend a lot of time travelling, what do you miss most when you are away from home? It’s hard to say where home is for me. I think it is where you feel the most satisfied and for me that is usually when I am playing music. Although I’m from Latvia, I miss more the people from my home rather than the place.

10) Villa/City? I do love football and I used to play a lot when I was younger but I am not so good anymore so I would find it difficult to judge two great teams! I have to say that adrenalin from a sport is very similar to live music and the expectation you have before a match is like the start of a concert. The difference is you are not supposed to cheer and shout at a concert, at least not until the end!