The master class in conducting at the State Opera in Ruse once again brings together young musicians and established professionals on one stage in the name of lively creative exchange. As part of the collaboration between the Zurich Academy of Fine Arts and the Ruse Philharmonic Orchestra, future conductors have the rare opportunity not only to work in a rehearsal environment, but also to stand in front of a symphony orchestra in a concert setting.
We talk to Prof. Ivan Vasilevski about the significance of this practice, the challenges of two of the most emblematic Sixth Symphonies – those by Ludwig van Beethoven and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – and the role of such projects in building the new generation of conductors.
Maestro, what is the most valuable thing that young conductors gain from working with the Ruse State Opera Orchestra during this master class?
Our students really gain a lot—they gain experience rehearsing and conducting a large symphony in concert. They also receive a very positive attitude from the orchestra – the understanding that a conductor needs an orchestra to learn how to conduct. They receive an honest attitude towards music and the profession of an orchestral musician, which the people from the Ruse Philharmonic always radiate. This always impresses me and my students.
The program includes two iconic Sixth Symphonies – by Ludwig van Beethoven and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. What are the main conducting challenges in interpreting these works, which are so different in style and emotional world?
We have chosen two very famous symphonies, which I would say are quite contrasting. Beethoven's Sixth Symphony is perhaps his most positive work, while Tchaikovsky's Sixth has a special program and, of course, a note of disappointment in the fourth movement, which is not a typical finale, as in his Fourth and Fifth Symphonies. Beethoven's Sixth Symphony is not a program symphony, but rather reflects the feelings we experience in nature, in the flow... and yet there is something programmatic in it, it is not like his Fourth, Fifth, Seventh, and Eighth symphonies. Tchaikovsky also has a program, but he said that it is a secret that we will probably never learn. This also brings the two symphonies closer together, as does the principle of contrast. Beethoven's positivity and the disappointment in Tchaikovsky's Sixth Symphony, even though it contains so much energy, so much desire for life, for love. There is all the speculation surrounding the story that he committed suicide. Of course, we will never know – what water he drank, what kind of cholera he contracted... Like all very famous works, these also present difficulties. There are so many interpretations, so many recordings, there are traditions that sometimes do not coincide with the way they are performed.
How does this project between the Zurich Academy of Fine Arts and the Ruse State Opera fit into your broader vision for training the new generation of conductors?
This collaboration is very important to us. We will be back here in April. Course after course, we can see how the students grow and gain confidence. This also applies to the repertoire, because here we perform great classical and romantic symphonies, etc. Working with an orchestra is essential. It is clear how, within the framework of the project, students improve their skills, react quickly, conduct the orchestra better, and work more efficiently. This is very important to us; it is part of our educational program and our joint work, of which we are very proud. I am very grateful to the Ruse Opera, the entire management, and the Orchestra for this opportunity!
