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
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
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
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/
During May and August, I worked as a conducting tutor at the Victorian School Music Festival in a segment sponsored by the Australian Band and Orchestra Directors Association and Hal Leonard Australia. After each group performed, the conductor would be invited to work with me for 20 minutes or so.
The tutorial was held in a small store room just off the performance area in Deakin Edge, Federation Square, Melbourne. There was a laptop on which a video of the conductor’s performance just completed could be played, the conductor, me and our batons.
The following are some general issues that were discussed.
The first bar of a performance is the conductor’s responsibility. The second bar becomes the player’s responsibility. if the first bar is not right, then it may be that the conductor is not giving clear non-verbal gestures.
When replaying the beginnings of each piece, here are some of the technical issues that we identified. The conductor
Are you doing these too? Set up a video camera or camcorder on a tripod and video yourself in rehearsal and performance. Just have a look at the opening bars of each new section and new piece. Send me your video and I can analyse your conducting and give you suggestions for improvement for a fee, after our initial discussion.
Roland Yeung
roland(at)rolandyeung.net