PORTRAIT
HelloMonaco : Maestro Yamada , what is your relation with Monaco ?
Kazuki Yamada : Conducting the Monte- Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra is really a special thing for me . When I came to the Principality for the first time I was very surprised to find an authentic Japanese garden that I enjoyed visiting . After asking for more information about it , I was told that it was created by the will of Princess Grace who loved Japanese culture so much . Thus , I felt really honoured to have such a tribute to my birthplace in a tiny Country like Monaco . The strong bond between the Prince ’ s Family and Japan , symbolized by this iconic space just outside the Grimaldi Forum , playing as an intercultural bridge , was definitely intriguing and I felt strongly tied to this place . I couldn ’ t have believed that , before coming here . Now , I am feeling so comfortable with the Monegasque environment and the Sovereign Prince and Princess have been absolutely welcoming as well as the Philharmonic Orchestra since I arrived .
: When did your collaboration start with the well-established Monte-Carlo ’ s Philharmonic ?
KY : It all began in 2011 . When I first came to Monaco as a special guest , the orchestra was in a sad mood due to former Russian conductor , Yakov Kreizberg ’ s early death . Good vibes were lacking among the musicians who felt lost . They were able to play well but they needed a guide . I was sorry about that . Then , with the support of the artistic director Maestro Gelmetti the situation has improved a lot . This is another unexpected coincidence .
When I was young , the first orchestra concert I could afford to attend in Yokohama ( Japan ) was led by Gelmetti performing Brahms Symphony No . 1 . That fantastic interpretation shaped my destiny encouraging me to attend many more concertos and to specialize in music . If that experience hadn ’ t been so unique , maybe I wouldn ’ t have decided to become an orchestra conductor . When I first met Gelmetti here I told him the story and he was really surprised and we immediately bonded . Soon after , he offered me the role of music direction of the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra which I started in 2016 . At that time , my wife was pregnant with a baby girl and she proposed that I call her ‘ Mona ’ as a tribute to Monaco , being my first pivotal commitment in Europe . My family and I are thankful to the Principality where I continue to live quite often for long periods .
Second Viennese School performed by the Solo Violin Player Tedi Papavrami and the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra directed by Kazuki Yamada ( Festival Printemps des Arts de Monte-Carlo , 27 th March 2021 ).
© Alice Blangero
62 / Hello Monaco Summer — Autumn 2021 www . hellomonaco . com