John Axelrod, conductor: Afterthoughts and Appetizers

SPRING UPDATE 2009

Providence. Destiny. Fate. Synchronicity: Big words during big times. And it happened just after my 43rd birthday.

In order for me to have been able to conduct Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde for Opera Nantes/Angers this April -June, a decision would have had to be made regarding any titled position, as I had other engagements scheduled in the period. Fortunately, after our marvelous concerts in February, the choice was becoming clearer. Finally, after my long story of feeling connected to Wagner, after my epiphany from Tristan’s prelude in Napa Valley to become a conductor, after my being 1st assistant in Bayreuth, after my living in Luzern for 5 years near Wagner’s Tribschen house, all the dots connect together and my wishes seem to have come true. I not only can conduct Tristan, my favorite opera, my inspiration, but it is now official: I have been elected as the new Music Director of the Orchestre National des Pays de la Loire, a national orchestra based in Nantes and Angers, which, with 11,000 subscribers, has the largest audience of any orchestra in France.

Why would I take an orchestra on the west coast of France ( a true Trans-Atlantic alliance) when others offered me so much promise? Why would I leave Luzern after 5 successful years?

While it is often normal for a conductor to have multiple posts (and I will continue my long and fruitful relationship with Sinfonietta Cracovia as Principal Guest Conductor), I made this decision on several reasons.

First, and foremost, is the quality of the orchestra on both professional and musical levels. On our first experience we fell in love. Beethoven 7 was the apotheosis of a dance between us. It was world class music making. Then, Schumann 2 was a revelation in how the orchestra managed a technically superb performance while giving all their heart and soul. That is what convinced me. Their heart and soul. No amount of technical perfection can replace that.

As an American, (now a self-declared Ameropean), the Loire Valley was my most known region of France and I often visited the chateaux down the Loire River. I never expected to now center my life around them, but the region, with its history, wine, food, culture and French savoir faire will do much to satisfy my hedonistic needs. Little convincing was needed there.

The staff of the orchestra, led by the experienced example of Michel Ayroles, are among the friendliest, open-minded and professional with whom Ive ever worked. Their commitment to their organization is done with a completely inclusive philosophy, and it is a testament to the support they have on public and political levels. It is my hope I can contribute towards that continuing success.

Last but not least, the obvious reasons hold true: Nantes is a short plane or direct train away from Strasbourg and my family, I speak French as a Francophile better than I will ever speak Swiss German, and I feel that we can truly meet each other’s potential on levels musical and human.

While the rest of the world is reeling from financial and cultural crises, I have been fortunate to yet be affected by the downturn. My sympathies and concern go out to all who have been hurt, but I can say that with my new position soon to be announced, I will have a job while others are losing theirs, and I will do what I can in a position of strength to help those who are now in a place of weakness. If music can be a healing and helping hand, and I can truly become a citoyen of the Region des Pays de la Loire, then I hope as MD I will be able to give back to a community in ways I have not yet been able to do. The ONPL has a formidable strength in its public. I am impressed at the demographic and age diversity of its audience. We can build on that strength and truly begin to make a difference where for music it matters most: seeing people enjoy the performance of classical music and bringing that appreciation back to their families. Music in the home is where audience development really begins.

That is then the ultimate point. What difference can we truly make. The role of the conductor, as a Music Director, has many functions. Musically speaking, the knowledge of repertoire, the technique, the understanding of human psychology, the pursuit of truth and beauty- these are the foundations of communicating the canon of classical music in collaboration with orchestra musicians at the highest levels possible. But the MD must also educate the public to sustain the performance of that repertoire and the institution it represents. In today’s media oriented world, the MD must also market, interview, upload, blog, fundraise and outreach to the community the orchestra serves. Adding to the mix is the impulse to utilize the power of music and its democratic teamwork principles for humanitarian causes not just artistic reasons. I learned a great deal during my tenure in Luzern. Mostly I understood how culture can influence the image of a city. I hope in my position I can humbly embrace all these responsibilities and bring visibility and honor to the cities and region which entrust me to lead and make a difference.

Vive la France!!!

Love, John

Comments (3)

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