Monday’s (7/24) International New York Times includes an interview with Gillian Moore, music director of London’s Southbank Centre, which presents classical, pop, jazz, folk, and rock music. “Q: One of your priorities is promoting contemporary classical music. Why? A: I love being around composers and working with them…. It’s really important that there’s a healthy scene for creative artists in all art forms. Q: Why did we have to wait for the 21st century to have internationally prominent female conductors? A: … Basically, you need peace and quiet, and you need financial independence—the two things which women have not had…. The fact that Marin [Alsop] has put herself on the line and been such a role model means that this sudden flood that we’re having has been allowed to happen. Q: Tell us about a highlight of your coming season, Leonard Bernstein’s ‘Mass.’ A: We’re creating an orchestra that reflects the diversity of London. The starting point is the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, but there are also players from Chineke [an orchestra of young black and minority ethnic players], as well as young performers, dancers and singers recruited from the local community, a children’s choir, a marching band and a video installation.”
Posted July 26, 2017
Pictured: Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London
