Conductors of symphony orchestras are well known for extremely long tenures. And in that sense, it might be more accurate to describe the Mid-Atlantic Symphony‘s Julien Benichou as being at only the midpoint of his career with the Eastern Shore-based orchestra after ten years. But now with a decade behind him, the time seemed right to reflect on his work with the ensemble as the MSO enters into the 2015-16 season in early October.
A native of France, Benichou had already trained at the Rueil-Malmaison Conservatory before coming to Baltimore in 1995 to study at the Peabody, later earn a master’s degree in conducting from Northwestern and graduate work at Yale. From there came his appointment as musical director of the MSO, and as director of the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra.
In his Spy interview, Julian talks about conductor Daniel Barenboim’s influence, the way in which he approaches a composer’s work and his own interpretation to their music. He also talks about the theme of Spain and Argentina in the opening concert in Easton on October 1 as well as the use of Ravel’s tribute to a Spanish princess, and finally the use of Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture as a counterpoint to the evening’s opening with the Beijing Guitar Duo’s rendition of Rodrigo’s “Concierto Madrigal” for two guitars.
This video is six minutes in length
“Sounds of España”
Thursday, October 1, 2015 at 7:30 pm
Easton Church Of God Concert Hall
888-846-8600
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