The British conductor will lead "George Enescu" Philharmonic Orchestra in the seasonal concerts on the 14^th and 15^th of November, at the Romanian Athenaeum.

On the evenings of 14^th and 15^th of November, you will conduct"George Enescu" Philharmonic Orchestra in its performance of Johannes Brahms' Concerto No. 1 op. 15 in D minor for piano and orchestra and of selections from Bedřich Smetana's "My Homeland". The pianist Peter Donohoe is the soloist. Therefore two works marked by profound romance. How did you choose the program?

Yes, indeed, it is a very romantic musical program. However, what I find even more interesting is that both are works that integrate folk music into the musical discourse. Brahms and Smetana were two of the most brilliant composers in terms of synthesizing folk ideas into their personal musical languages. It is very often the case that, if we have folk elements in music, they are perceived like quotations. Nevertheless, in these two works, the folkloric influence is an essential part of the musical discourse.

Both these works are indeed romantic masterpieces, but of course, they have very different characteristics. Brahms' Opus is one of the extraordinary piano concerts in the repertoire. It is a great pleasure for us to perform it with Peter Donohoe, who is an incredible British pianist, who is - I hope he would not mind me stating this -"old school". He has an amazing interpretative history; he has created many fabulous recordings. I have wished to work with him for a long time and I am delighted to finally have this opportunity. Brahms' concert for piano is an "Everest", a massive, epic work about life and death. It is a masterpiece steeped in emotional turmoil. The first part was composed in response to Schumann's suicide attempt… As for the connection with Smetana's Opus - Schumann attempted suicide by jumping off a bridge into the Rhine River, and the river theme is present as well in Smetana's "My Homeland", but of course, in the symphonic poem "Vltava". Therefore, it is a romantic program with folkloric elements, in which the two works are connected by the suggestion of the flow of the river, which becomes a common theme.

How does it feel to be back at the the conductor's rostrum at "George Enescu" Philharmonic Orchestra, the ensemble you are the main conductor of?

I am very often asked this question. It is of course an immense pleasure. We have had a very long relationship; we know each other very well. I am lucky to be back here 3 - 4 times every year, if we consider my position here. We know each other's qualities and flaws. In a way, it feels like coming back home to your family. It is a very strong connection.