INTERVIEW: Academy of St. Martin in the Fields heads to NY/NJ
Photo: The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields will play in New York and New Jersey in the coming days. Photo courtesy of the ASMF / Provided by AMT PR with permission.
The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, the London-based orchestra headed by violinist Joshua Bell, will soon embark on a limited American tour, including stops at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in Glendale, New York, on March 29, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey, on March 30.
Bell serves as music director of the orchestra, and he’s joined by Jennifer Godson, associate principal second violin. Together, they will help bring to life many iconic compositions, plus a new commission by Vince Mendoza. On the bill are selectiosn by Rossini, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Mozart, Bruch and Brahms, depending on the city. For example, New Jersey audiences will experience Schumann’s Symphony No. 2, while New York audiences will experience Brahms’ Symphony No. 2.
Recently Godson exchanged emails with Hollywood Soapbox to highlight the tri-state area’s concerts. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What does the rehearsing for a tour like this look like? Is it difficult to learn so many compositions?
We rehearsed very intensively for three days in London. This is often the most exhausting part of the tour as of course we are still also dealing with normal life at home as well (not to mention wrestling with London public transport!). We spent most of a day on each of the symphonies, and then on the third day Joshua played three concertos in a row (Brahms, Mendelssohn, Bruch).
We’re not starting from scratch on a lot of it — most of it is pretty familiar, but there are always new ideas to assimilate from Joshua.
What piece are you most excited to play?
We haven’t played Brahms Symphony No. 2 in this format before, and as it is one of my favourite symphonies, I am really enjoying it. Joshua’s interpretation is very refreshing, and it is a great challenge learning to play it as a piece of chamber music rather than having a conductor.
How is Joshua Bell as your music director? What’s his leadership style with the orchestra?
Joshua brings an incredible dynamic energy to the orchestra, which sweeps us all along; he is also collaborative and listens to other people’s views. He is generous in his appreciation of others and seems to enjoy working with us.
How has it been learning the Mendoza commission? What can audiences expect?
The Mendoza is an exciting piece, and it is wonderful to be collaborating with Douglas Marriner. It’s a tricky thing learning something new without a conductor, and we all have to do our homework! I think audiences will enjoy it very much though — lots of jazzy rhythms and exhilarating textures.
What do you find most impressive about the orchestra’s unique history?
I think what’s so amazing about ASMF is that it has maintained its place at the top of the international scene through so many decades of change. It’s a very different world out there now, but maybe thanks to Neville Marriner’s original vision, the orchestra still has that special sound — and incredibly high standards! There really is nothing else quite like it.
When did you first fall in love with classical music?
My parents were keen listeners to classical music and took me to concerts from an early age. The first one I really remember was a performance of Bach’s B minor Mass in the Usher Hall in Edinburgh when I was 6 or 7. Those high trumpets made my spine tingle. Although, there was also a terrible draught in the hall, which might have contributed to the shivers!
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields will play the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in Glendale, New York, on March 29, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey, on March 30. Click here for more information and tickets for March 29 and here for March 30.
