MichaelFrancisAMA

There is of course a hierarchy in orchestras. Within the group you have principal musicians, assistant principal, section musicians. There is also the concertmaster, who is effectively the number two in charge. The conductors I admired, while playing in orchestra, were those who created an atmosphere in which we could be individually creative but within a clear vision of the composer’s intentions. So, as a conductor myself, I speak a lot in metaphors, to find a communicative approach that gives emotional guidance, but allows the musicians to make informed creative choices. Ultimately, if there is a difference of opinion, I do have the final say, but more often than conductors like to admit, the best ideas often come from the orchestra.

Outside of the rehearsal/performance, the leadership dynamic is more clear. Choosing repertoire, hiring musicians, artistic vision and a myriad of other decisions are made by the conductor.

For me, the balance is giving clear overall vision, but allowing others a lot of room for expression of ideas. It is not that different to other leadership positions in other fields. It is a fascinating job, with subtle psychological skills required - one in which I learn on a daily level!

Good question. There is a huge amount that happens off the podium. In the US, conductors who run orchestras are Music Directors. We are in charge of personnel choices - auditioning and hiring, along with the players committees. Choosing the repertoire for the season. Inviting guest artists/conductors. The artistic vision of organisation - for example, in Florida, where I am Music Director of The Florida Orchestra, I have put a large emphasis on community engagement activities - making sure that there are no barriers to participation, whether financial (free concerts), geographic (we travel to hospitals, schools, retirement centres), or any other restrictions you could imagine. I also work closely with the board of directors for fundraising and developing new ways of financially supporting the orchestra (in the US, ticket sales account for about a third of revenue, the rest is donations!). The culture and development of the standard of the orchestra perhaps the most important thing I have to do. Working to create an environment of excellence that engages our listeners and community. After all, music really matters...

My dad was a double bass player, so I had music around as a child. For me, it was the first time I played in youth orchestra. I couldn’t believe how loud and exciting it could be. Tchaikovsky’s 4th symphony and anytime I played or heard Beethoven in my teens. It was like being injected with an addictive drug (not that I’d know!)!

Hi! I became a conductor through jumping in last minute for sick conductors. I was brave - or stupid enough - to say yes, sometimes at the very last minute for pretty scary occasions! I didn’t study conducting formally at university/college. Instead I learnt from playing for great conductors and then jumped up and got on with it. It takes a lifetime to learn, as most of it is people management as well as artistic growth.
Most difficult part is bringing the best out of others and staying true to the music.

Derek was amazing. For those who don’t know him. Derek was born at 26 weeks, blind and with severe learning difficulties. He is a musical savant and through lessons with his teacher, Adam Ockelford, he has become an astonishing performer. His autism has led to a prodigious memory that can recall any piece he ever heard, and then he can improvise on it immediately. Incredible!

The two concerts we have performed with the festival orchestra have been stellar. Anne-Marie McDermott’s performances of Mozart’s Piano concerti no. 14 and 22 were incredible: what an artist! Jeremy Denk was also amazing on the first concert. The orchestra is made up of the concertmasters and principal musicians of the best orchestras in North America, so the standard is off the charts. The performance of Mendelssohn’s Reformation symphony was a musical highlight of my life. The commitment and passion with which they tackled this relatively unknown symphony was so inspiring for me - I just love this festival. The word “world class” is so overused, but not with the Mainly Mozart Festival Orchestra. It is humbling to be the Music Director.