In the 2024/25 season, all four of Paavo Järvi's previous Assistant Conductors will conduct the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich. Reason enough for an update!
When Paavo Järvi works with the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, an assistant conductor sits in the hall with him. These are young conductors who learn from him, but also support him, for example by checking the sound balance in the hall or comparing what they hear with the scores. Occasionally, they conduct themselves - even after their "term of office" has ended.
In the current season, all four previous assistant conductors are leading the orchestra. Where do they stand today? And what do they take away from their time in Zurich? Their answers to these questions are as varied as they are themselves.
We start with Izabelė Jankauskaitė from Lithuania, who was Assistant Conductor at the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich in the 2022/23 season.
Izabelė, we'll be speaking in September 2024 - what projects are you currently pursuing?
At the moment, I'm on my way to Salzburg to conduct Schubert's Symphony No. 1. After that, I'll be performing in Germany and Switzerland, with other works by Schubert and Haydn in the programme.
What did you take away from your time as Assistant Conductor?
Above all, an incredible amount of musical inspiration. Watching Paavo Järvi in rehearsals was like a masterclass every time. I admire how he shapes the music and brings out such interesting colours and characters from the orchestra. It was also fantastic to get to know great guest soloists and observe their work during rehearsals - or simply have good conversations with them.
Which encounter with the orchestra do you particularly remember?
The tour with the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich and the performances in various concert halls in Europe were unforgettable. I also had the honour of presenting a small part of the tonhalleLATE concert with Paavo Järvi. That was incredibly exciting and a unique experience! And then there was the "Cinderella" project in January 2024 - playing the music of one of my favourite composers, Sergei Prokofiev, with the orchestra was something very special.
Which movement by Paavo Järvi stays with you to this day?
One thought that has stayed with me in particular: music has a natural flow and never stops. Paavo often talks about shaping the phrases and having a clear sense of where the music is going instead of getting lost in the details.
What advice would you give to future assistant conductors?
Be yourself. Be committed. Be prepared for everything and don't be afraid to make mistakes.
We use deepL.com for our translations into English.
