167-Year-Old Prestigious French Orchestra Led by Genius Conductor: "The Conductor's Instrument is the Orchestra"
by Kim Heeyun
Published 09 Dec.2022 14:32(KST)
Aziz Shohakimov "Strasbourg Phil Will Become Europe's Best Orchestra"
Collaboration with 22-Year-Old Tchaikovsky Competition Winner Pianist Kantorov
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] “The Strasbourg National Orchestra is an orchestra that combines the strengths of both Germany and France.”
The National Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra (OPS), a French orchestra with a 167-year tradition, will hold its second concert in Korea following the 2017 performance.
At a press conference held online from France on the afternoon of the 8th, OPS Artistic Director Aziz Shokhakimov (34) introduced, "A conductor has no instrument; the orchestra itself is the conductor's instrument," adding, “Our ultimate goal is to make OPS, which is based on faithful performance of the score and possesses outstanding flexibility, the best orchestra in Europe.”
Aziz Shokhakimov, a prodigious conductor from Uzbekistan, began studying conducting at age 11 and made a dazzling debut at 13 by conducting the Uzbekistan National Orchestra in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. At 18, he became the principal conductor of the Uzbekistan National Orchestra, leading the ensemble to an astonishing level over six years and is regarded as a figure who created a new legend in 21st-century music.
On the 20th, OPS will perform Georges Bizet’s opera 'Carmen' Suite No. 1 and Russian composer Mussorgsky’s 'Pictures at an Exhibition' (arranged by Ravel) at Seoul Arts Center.
Regarding the first piece in the Korea concert repertoire, Bizet’s 'Carmen' Suite, Shokhakimov expressed confidence, saying, “It is a signature piece for OPS, a French orchestra.” He also introduced, “Through various projects, we continue to deepen our mutual understanding with the orchestra.”
“I was very impressed when I heard Yunchan Lim’s performance at the Cliburn Competition. At that age, having such a level of balance, control, technique, and musicality made me curious. I have great interest and expectations for his future path.”
Alexandre Kantorow (25), the first French pianist to win the Tchaikovsky Competition at age 22, highly praised Korean performers who have proven their skills through international competitions, especially Yunchan Lim. He will join the OPS Korea concert as a soloist.
At the Korea concert, Kantorow will perform Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 2. He chose this piece in the finals of the Tchaikovsky Competition and won the top prize. Kantorow said, “Compared to Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1, the second concerto is less frequently heard in live performances. This piece evokes various artistic works such as opera and ballet, so it can offer the feeling of exploring a new world.”
In addition to the performance at the Seoul Arts Center on the 20th, OPS will collaborate with Kantorow at Seongnam Arts Center on the 16th and Andong Culture & Arts Center on the 19th. On the 18th, pianist Sun Yeol-eum will perform the same repertoire at Jinju Gyeongnam Culture & Arts Center.
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