Welcome to Issue 35: A Matter of Principals
Happy New Year! To celebrate the fact that Notes from the Podium is now expanding to include all aspects of orchestral performance (they are, after all, all of relevance to the conductor’s work), this issue includes interviews with Principals from three different sections of the orchestra.
We head first to the woodwinds. Olivier Stankiewicz has been Principal Oboe of the London Symphony Orchestra since 2015. As an extremely accomplished, modest and open-minded musician, he was brimming with interesting ideas to share on a variety of topics. He also has a very wide range of musical interests, ranging from early music to contemporary, free improv and jazz. Olivier discussed the ways in which the oboe is misunderstood, which composers write brilliantly (and terribly!) for the instrument, and how soprano Barbara Hannigan completely transformed his playing. He also takes a deep dive into the issues oboes players face with conductors and within the orchestra as a whole.
Andy Barclay, Principal Percussion of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, has been in the orchestra since 1995 – he is one of the very few players in the orchestra to have been promoted within it. I contacted him after thoroughly enjoying his LPO Q&A on YouTube (recorded during lockdown). His detailed explanation of his role and how the section works will be invaluable to both conductors and composers, as practical logistics are a crucial aspect of playing (and writing for) percussion. Andy is extremely down to earth and entertaining, and I can also imagine him to be a brilliant teacher, which he does at both the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy.
Stacey Watton kindly combined his experience as a Conductor and Principal Bass player in his interview. His career has been incredibly varied, having conducted and played for a great many of the world’s most prestigious orchestras. Stacey chose to discuss the unique topic of the dynamics, politics and realities of life in the orchestra – one of utmost relevance to all conductors and musicians. It also relates to one of Stacey’s other passions: psychotherapy – it was very illuminating to hear how his experience, as both a client and practitioner in this field, has so greatly informed his work as a conductor. The second half of our interview focuses on his experience as a Principal Bass player – a surprisingly powerful seat in the orchestra.
As ever, huge thanks to Olivier, Andy and Stacey for being such interesting and entertaining company – I look forward to seeing you all in action sometime soon!
Happy Reading!
Dr. Hannah Baxter (Editor)