Sir Mark Elder CH CBE is a man who makes a difference. He spent 14 years as music director of English National Opera as part of the team that created ENO’s ‘powerhouse’ era, and under his direction, Manchester’s Hallé Orchestra has been transformed into one of the UK’s most exciting orchestras.
He is a Principal Artist of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and through his work with Opera Rara, has brought neglected Italian masterpieces back to the stage and studio. We are also delighted to learn that he was born in Samling Institute’s home town, Hexham!
My earliest musical memory is …
the sound of a little brass quintet from the Salvation Army playing hymns every Sunday evening in the summer on the corner of the Broadway in Crouch End. Our house was only yards away, and their very mellow, beautiful sound contrasted dramatically with the famous Clock Tower chiming on the quarter! Charles Ives would have loved it!
The last work I conducted was …
the ‘Variations on a Theme by Tchaikovsky’ by Arensky. I did this beautiful work with the students of the Royal Academy – very socially distanced of course – as part of a lunchtime concert. It is for strings, and despite being so far apart they managed to find a lovely sound. It was the first time they had played together for many months!
The last piece of music I listened to was …
‘Offertorium’ by the great Russian composer Sofia Gubaydulina. It is an extraordinary violin concerto. I listened to it twice, straight through. The music was so much clearer and moving the second time. What had felt too complicated the first time was totally clear the second! Beautiful!
My favourite thing about Manchester is …
the feeling I had twenty years ago when I settled there, that I was part of a Renaissance. The city was changing very fast; still, now, buildings are being razed to the ground and a new confidence is being born. Manchester’s character is changing with it, and our wonderful orchestra, the Hallé, is right there in the middle of it all!
The ‘rare’ opera that everyone should try is …
two years ago, as my last project as Artistic Director of Opera Rara, we recorded Donizetti’s completely unknown tragic opera ‘Il Paria’ (The Pariah). The story is a little confusing but the situations are very dramatic and powerful. It is about great passions in the context of religious intolerance – it takes place in India! There are spectacular singing roles for soprano, tenor and baritone. It was written for three of the most famous singers of the 1820’s. Very enjoyable and full of wonderful tunes, this opera is a must!
Beer with Wagner or a glass of wine with Verdi?
A great choice! I would have a great list of questions for them both…! I am not sure how welcoming and charming Wagner would be! Verdi, for all his gruffness, would be startling to meet. He did so much for our profession, and I adore the humanity in his operas. Don Carlos, Simon Boccanegra, Falstaff…
To all young musicians embarking on the professional path, I would counsel …
don’t lose your inner self-belief! It is surely being put to the test in these months. Even if, for a little time, you are forced to look elsewhere to earn money, your talent – the thing that brought you to music in the first place – must be treasured, protected. Keep working, practising. Try and find opportunities, corners to make music – however humble – with other people. In the not too distant future, you need to be ready to audition again; your courage and dedication will be on show.
Main image: Sir Mark Elder, photo credit: Ben Ealovega
