published in The Age January 18, 2023 — 2.40pm
This article was a fascinating description of how a professional conductor trained a brilliant Aussie actor Cate Blanchett for her role as Lydia Tár in the movie Tár, just released in USA at the end of 2022. So what does an actor need to learn to be authentic in the performance of a Mahler Symphony with a top symphony orchestra? A fascinating article for all conductors to read.
I Taught Cate Blanchett How To Conduct
Tar starring Aussie actor Cate Blanchett has brought into public conversation the process of how a conductor releases a performance. I have enjoyed the reviews, interviews of Cate and the speech she gave when receiving an award in Florida in January 2023.
This film was released in USA in October 2022, but has not been released in Australia at the time of writing this post.
Two key observations Cate made about being a conductor and being involved in this project:
process and collaboration
Her summary of the film is “it just is”.
Review Cate’s own words through clicking on this link to Classic FM article ‘I didn’t base the character of Lydia Tár on anyone’ – Cate Blanchett in conversation with Classic FM 19th January 2023 – click here
I really enjoyed the conducting of Nodoka Okisawa conducting Debussy, Takemitsu, Ravel and Melody Eötvös. I thought she displayed excellent technique and control of the sounds made by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in concert on Saturday 15th October 2022 in Hamer Hall. I thought that she demonstrated a wonderful array of Saito Conducting techniques and so effectively. I found the concert so engaging, noticing how well the orchestra responded to her gestures and artistry. despite her slight stature, she had an enormous presence on the podium.
To see more details of the program click here
I have had the privilege of being a guest teacher of conducting at Christ deemed to be a university in Bangalore, India. The new music department is based on Western Art Music and I work with Professor Andrey Morozov and professor Travis Ashton-Bell. I started in July 2021. The basis of my teaching is the Saito Conducting Method. Of course I am not in India. I am in the land of “sweeping plains” teaching over Zoom, Google Drive, Google Classroom and OBS. I am learning a lot about using this technology and developing suitable materials. Everyone in India are so supportive and interested. It i both a challenge and at lot of fun!
To see FaceBook post click here
Roland Yeung, long time ABODA contributor and life member, presented as part of ANBOC 2021 hosted in Western Australia. He presented two sessions which were recorded on video. ANBOC 21 was an on-line only conference.
Presentation One: The Creativity of Percy Grainger. This provides an update on new and exciting resources related to ‘Understanding the Creativity of Percy Grainger’ including the new Grainger Journal and discussions on Grainger’s folk song studies.
List of Resources click here to download
Presentation Two: In The Beginning – Then What Happened!! Roland will be exploring how young teacher-conductors can use conducting strategies and techniques to ensure excellent performances at festivals and competitions. The conducting techniques demonstrated use the principles of the Saito Conducting Method.
List of conducting resources click here.
Four slides from the video showing: 1. Shakui, 2. Tataki, 3. Heikin Undo, 4. 3 Saito Conducting Techniques, 5. Commencing
Link to Facebook page for ANBOC21 https://www.facebook.com/vic.aboda/photos/a.3731577733609931/3731577620276609
I wrote an article for the Australian Society of Music Education Victoria branch. To read the article click here.
Interested in conducting lessons with Roland? Continue reading
‘Conducting is hard – it doesn’t get easier’: Simon Rattle’s top conducting tips18 Classic FM September 2017
Simon Rattle explains the complex role of the conductor. This sheds light on how and what a conductor does in rehearsal to ensure the best experience for everyone.
https://www.classicfm.com/artists/sir-simon-rattle/conducting-is-hard-advice-tips/
When compared to the smooth rendition of Over The Rainbow in the film click here, this performance may sound very choppy, slightly desperate and at time rather raw. … Here we see Garland 16 years later, and we can ‘hear’ how much of life she’s experienced. At times it’s as if we’re watching her battle every emotional demon in her life. But somewhere, in those final moments, she seems to make the decision that she’s going to survive. And at the moment it doesn’t matter whether or not the tone is beautiful, the pitch is perfect, or if the whole performance is a bit wobbly. All that matters is that for a moment, she allowed us to see so clearly into her heart.
To listen to the 1955 version, click here and enjoy!
From Popular Singing and Style by Donna Soto-Morettini 2nd edition page 234.
This performance comparison is illuminating when evaluating accuracy and artistry. When does “very choppy, slightly desperate and at time rather raw” become feelingful music? How does a performer achieve this without being judged as having poor rhythm?
The impact of Judy Garland’s 1955 singing is very emotional. How does the conductor accompany an interpretation like this. I imagine that the interpretation in rehearsals may not have been anything like the performance.
Wonderful singing and a wonderful challenge to be conducting the accompaniment. I would love to do that!
Roland.
With the Grainger Wind Symphony and in partnership with the Australian Band and Orchestra Directors Association Victoria Branch, I am convening 3 Conducting Learning Programs across May-June 2017
The Conducting Intensive Program starts 10am Saturday 27th May with one of three conducting classes, podium time in a video workshop on 21 June from 7.45pm, a free seminar Wednesday 28th June at 5pm for 5.30pm-6.30pm and a review class Saturday 1st July from 10am. Clinician is Roland Yeung
The Public Seminar is on Wednesday 28th June 5.00pm for 5.30pm – 6.30pm. I am presenting a one hour seminar on the topic “Music Expression in the Ensemble Rehearsal”.
The Conducting Workshop Program is all on Wednesday 28th June starting with the Public Seminar, a one-on-one conducting tutorial with a conducting mentor, and podium time in a video workshop supported by a mentor that can be selected from the list.
Click here to go to the page with more detail, information sheet, application form, fees and bookings.