Needless to say, we are very excited about the third Cafe Concert in our 2012/13 series. Taking place on Friday 23 November at Corn Exchange, Newbury and featuring a very special performance of JS Bach's Goldberg Variations, it promises to be fantastic way to start the weekend. We caught up with Alexander Hohenthal (Southern Sinfonia's leader) who will be performing the Goldberg Variations (along with Heather Tuach and Colin Scobie, of course) to ask a few quick questions...
1. What has been your career highlight so far?
In terms of career, any performance in London, Buenos Aires, Vienna and so on comes to mind, certainly the Expo 2000 in Hannover together with Sir Roger Norrington - but basically, I am quite critical if not neurotic about my efforts. Only one or two concerts every year match my own expectations and "cut the mustard". As a result, some of what I consider my best concerts have been in minor halls for small audiences - "success" is in the search for improvement, something that never ends in the world of music.
2. When/ where are you most happy?
As stated above, when I feel the performance meets my demands - other than that, being with my family and friends!
3. Which person (living or dead) do you most admire and why?
Any person who has the integrity to hold on to his / her convictions and believes regardless of trial and adversity is my idol.
4. How do you relax when you're not performing?
Cooking and dining with friends and family. Red wine and cigars might be involved!
5. If you could travel back in time, where would you go?
I often think I was born too late, maybe the 19th century?
6. What other skill/ talent would you like to possess?
Play the piano properly, be a kinder father, raise enough wealth to help other people, have more patience, be content with the world and myself. Realistic? Maybe not, but a man can dream...
7. What is your favourite book?
The one I’m reading at the time.
8. What is the most played piece of music in your CD collection?
Over the years, as one does, I had many favourite recordings at a time, and the list is long: Hora Zero (Astor Piazolla), Friday Night in San Francisco (Paco de Lucia, John MCLaughlin, Al di Meola), Paolo Conte, Jaques Brel, Cannonball Adderley,...
Oh, and there is classical as well?!
Brahms Intermezzi played by Radu Lupu.
9. Does leading Southern Sinfonia differ from leading a European orchestra?
Preparation of a programme in only one or two rehearsals as opposed to nearly a week of rehearsals, which requires much mental alertness and efficiency- a great quality about English musicians. However, on top of accuracy comes the transformation into heartfelt music making, which we try to accomplish more and more every time we play together.
10. What's the best thing about leading Southern Sinfonia?
Friendship and camaraderie.
In terms of career, any performance in London, Buenos Aires, Vienna and so on comes to mind, certainly the Expo 2000 in Hannover together with Sir Roger Norrington - but basically, I am quite critical if not neurotic about my efforts. Only one or two concerts every year match my own expectations and "cut the mustard". As a result, some of what I consider my best concerts have been in minor halls for small audiences - "success" is in the search for improvement, something that never ends in the world of music.
2. When/ where are you most happy?
As stated above, when I feel the performance meets my demands - other than that, being with my family and friends!
3. Which person (living or dead) do you most admire and why?
Any person who has the integrity to hold on to his / her convictions and believes regardless of trial and adversity is my idol.
4. How do you relax when you're not performing?
Cooking and dining with friends and family. Red wine and cigars might be involved!
5. If you could travel back in time, where would you go?
I often think I was born too late, maybe the 19th century?
6. What other skill/ talent would you like to possess?
Play the piano properly, be a kinder father, raise enough wealth to help other people, have more patience, be content with the world and myself. Realistic? Maybe not, but a man can dream...
7. What is your favourite book?
The one I’m reading at the time.
8. What is the most played piece of music in your CD collection?
Over the years, as one does, I had many favourite recordings at a time, and the list is long: Hora Zero (Astor Piazolla), Friday Night in San Francisco (Paco de Lucia, John MCLaughlin, Al di Meola), Paolo Conte, Jaques Brel, Cannonball Adderley,...
Oh, and there is classical as well?!
Brahms Intermezzi played by Radu Lupu.
9. Does leading Southern Sinfonia differ from leading a European orchestra?
Preparation of a programme in only one or two rehearsals as opposed to nearly a week of rehearsals, which requires much mental alertness and efficiency- a great quality about English musicians. However, on top of accuracy comes the transformation into heartfelt music making, which we try to accomplish more and more every time we play together.
10. What's the best thing about leading Southern Sinfonia?
Friendship and camaraderie.
For more information about Alexander's upcoming performance, please visit our website.
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