PORTRAIT
: How do you feel performing as the orchestra director ?
KY : I really appreciate the fact that I can express myself freely and make the best decisions , even at this difficult time . The Principality is a confined area , so this represents an advantage at this very moment . Being able to play live today with more than a hundred performers on stage is amazing . I would say it is something miraculous considering that Monaco is currently one of the few places where it can happen . The whole Orchestra has the awareness of being really lucky and is so grateful about this opportunity . The Musicians and I always try to give our best but , after the restrictions imposed by the global health emergency , we have strengthened further our artistic union and improved our relationship which has become far deeper . The Covid-19
Portrait of Kazuki Yamada , Conductor and Artistic Director of the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra .
pandemic made us think about our role as musicians and much more . What is it to be alive ? What is Music ? These are the key questions that we asked ourselves . We need to be very positive and appreciate everything in life , now more than ever .
: Are you satisfied with the outcome at the 2021 Festival Printemps des Arts de Monte-Carlo ?
KY : I am very happy . This concert , in particular , was such a high-quality although not easy at all in view of the difficulty of the pieces interpreted . We should have had more time to prepare but existing constraints pushed us to rehearse only a week before the concert . The result was therefore extraordinary and I am so proud of all the orchestra members . And I feel very lucky to continue conducting even during the lockdown era , both in Monaco and in Japan .
: What makes it so special to perform live ?
KY : Music is not made solely by the musicians at the concert . The audience itself contributes to the final outcome . In other words , the spectators are ‘ making music ’. Even if I cannot turn my back to see them so often while leading the orchestra , I can feel their spirit . Without the audience , today ’ s concert would have been completely different . The Orchestra maestros and the director get powerful energy from the floor in the concert hall . Music , in fact , provides many ‘ vitamins ’ and helps one to stay in good health and keep a sound mind . The final outcome depends on a silent exchange and communication among all actors in the room . That means that music is always alive . Recorded performances without an audience is better than nothing but playing live is a must .
: What is more challenging about being an orchestra conductor ?
KY : I do believe that music is a miracle in itself . To keep the right timing and a fantastic harmony at the same time would seem impossible given the size of an Orchestra . Some people say that the main mission of a conductor is to make the sound smooth and balanced . In my approach towards the Orchestra I try to be more helpful . Of course , I am acting as the leader of all the musicians
Music is not made solely by the musi cians at the concert . The audience itself contributes to the final outcome . In other words , the spectators are ‘ making music ’.
but I want also to give them something more and this is harder . If the Orchestra just follows the director technically , something is missing . We must always understand the meaning of the music works we interpret . Therefore , I always make performers develop their awareness while we rehearse . How should this sound be played ? What story is behind it ? I constantly want to help them in their understanding by giving them a source of inspiration .
: Do you have new projects involving the Principality ?
KY : Luckily , Monaco offers a great cultural and artistic choice , opera , ballet , music , art and many future occasions are being planned . What I am trying to do is to conceive more intercultural crossovers including the Japanese music heritage like the traditional theatrical play , Kabuki , and Nō , the most popular dance drama since the 14th century .
© JC Vinaj – OPMC
Hello Monaco Summer — Autumn 2021 / 63 www . hellomonaco . com