Dutoit, Juillet happy to return

By Lee Hyo-won

Staff reporter

The Lindenbaum Music Festival in Seoul welcomes back Maestro Charles Dutoit and violinist Chantal Juillet, among other internationally renowned musicians, to take part in an intense music-making session with talented Korean youths.

``We’re very, very happy to be back here we had great success last year,’’ Juillet, artistic director and concert master of the orchestra project, told reporters in Bangbae-dong, Monday.

Last year’s inaugural event brought together some 100 budding local musicians through an audition to master and play Mahler. This year another batch of youths in their teens and 20s started rehearsing Monday to stage Richard Strauss’ symphonic poem ``Ein Heldenleben’’ next week.

``When I first came (to Korea and conducted) it was in 1974, and the orchestra I was conducting was not so great, just normal. In recent years we’ve seen emerging artists, soloists and composers from Korea and orchestras all over the world have Asian musicians. It was an enormous surprise to come back and work with these young (musicians), and it was a surprise to be able to perform Mahler in just a few days _ I cannot tell you more how happy I was, and this is the reason why I’m back,’’ said Maestro Dutoit. He added that he chose Strauss because he wanted to challenge the young players.

``I’ve worked with many orchestras around the world _ Juilliard, Curtis, Tanglewood. It’s always a pleasure to work with young people. It’s a very special experience to work with an all-Korean orchestra because the other orchestras I’ve worked with are international,’’ he said.

``We have started the work this morning we only had a few minutes to chat but the level (of the orchestra) is very high we are very happy,’’ said Chantal.

The youths will rehearse in small groups under the direction of 13 world-renowned musicians such as Vicci Wardman, principal violist of the Royal Philharmonic and Peter Sullivan, principal trombonist of the Pittsburg Symphony. ``It’s like putting the ingredients on the table and seeing what it’s like to find the right balance before the real work begins with the conductor in two days,’’ she said.

``This year the event brings together amongst the best (musicians) but (they are) also fantastic pedagogues and great human beings. It’s very important for students to see the camaraderie, and the fun we have through the music classes.’’

The only problem however is that the period is too short, she said, but looks forward to its future development. ``When something is successful, people enjoy being associated with it, if I may speak for my colleagues.’’

Maestro Dutoit agreed saying, ``The festival is a little too short and we should find a way to develop that. Young people can work together and develop friendships. But the start is extremely good and promising.’’

Moreover, the festival is garnering attention for featuring the appearance of esteemed pianist Paik Kun-woo. He will play Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the youth orchestra on July 5 at Seoul Arts Center.

He will also take part in a chamber concert with the youths on July 4 at the same venue. The program features Gounod’s Small Symphony for Wind Instruments. For more information about the festival visit www.lbmf.or.kr or call (02) 720-1012.