BY STEPHANIE ESLAKE
Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra chief conductor and artistic director Marko Letonja will lead the orchestra into its 70th year.
Dr David Rich, chair of the TSO, recently announced a year’s extension to Marko’s tenure with the orchestra, which means the conductor will now stay on until the end of 2018.
Marko spends a few moments ahead of the orchestra’s China tour to reflect on his time with the TSO.
How have you enjoyed working with the orchestra so far?
It has been a great experience getting to know the musicians of the TSO over the past five years and making fantastic concerts together. I’m delighted that we’ll be working together until the end of 2018.
How does a conductor approach the ambitious position of leading an orchestra into its 70th year?
This of course is a big commitment and responsibility and what I would like to do is engage as much of the community as possible in this important celebration.
How would you like to see the orchestra change in the following decades?
Generally speaking, I’d love the importance of classical music to be recognised more. Shoring up this recognition would have a positive impact on the orchestra’s funding and would guarantee artistic growth and allow the orchestra to tour more regularly. I would like to broaden and consolidate our media presence through recordings, streaming and broadcasts. The orchestra needs a strategy about streaming and needs to continue to broadcast regularly, because that is a global trend.
What TSO achievement are you most proud of in your time with the orchestra?
I’m proud of every single concert we have done irrespective of whether it was in Zeehan, Cygnet or Federation Concert Hall. The upcoming China tour will be a challenge for the orchestra but it’s a tremendous opportunity and I’m especially pleased that we’ll be playing a lot of Australian music before an international audience.
Check out the orchestra’s 2017 program.
Image supplied.
