INTERVIEW: Prague-based orchestra heads to NJPAC
Photo: Steven Mercurio and the Czech National Symphony Orchestra will soon perform at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Photo courtesy of CNSO / Provided by AMT PR with permission.
The Czech National Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Steven Mercurio, is currently touring the United States and will make a stop Sunday, Feb. 19 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey. Mercurio and company will offer some choice classical music selections, including Dvořák’s “Czech Suite in D Major, Op. 39 — Finale (Furiant)” and Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67.” Rounding out the bill is a violin concerto by Brahms, with Robert McDuffie on solo violin — so definitely a performance of some heavy hitters in the classical world.
The concert in New Jersey will also mark the orchestra’s prolonged celebration of its 30th anniversary. The Czech National Symphony Orchestra, responsible for the Prague Proms Festival every summer, has collaborated with a who’s who in the performing arts world, including Wynton Marsalis, the late Ennio Morrione, José Carreras and Danny Elfman, among countless others, according to press notes.
Mercurio, an American conductor and composer, has been the musical director of the orchestra for the past four years, according to his official biography. His previous leadership roles have taken him everywhere from Italy to Philadelphia to Charleston, South Carolina. He’s equally comfortable conducting in the pit for an operatic performance as he is being on stage with an orchestra.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Mercurio about the orchestra’s upcoming performance at the NJPAC. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
Why did you make these particular selections for the NJPAC concert? What do you like about each piece?
Since this is the Czech National Symphony Orchestra hailing from Prague, it’s only fitting that we open the program with something by Dvořák who is the most beloved Czech composer. Dvořák had a strong kinship and history with the United States and the American culture of his time. Therefore, we chose the Finale of Dvořák “Czech Suite” — “Furiant.” It’s a lively and passionate dance and an ideal concert starter.
Robert McDuffie, the featured violinist, wanted to perform the Brahms “Violin Concerto.” The pairing of Dvořák and Brahms seemed to be ideal programming for the first half. We also chose the enormously popular Beethoven “Symphony No. 5” because the orchestra and I had performed this together during the pandemic for an outdoor concert in the Prague town square, which was broadcast live throughout Europe for the ARTE channel. This coincided with the Beethoven worldwide celebration of his 250th birthday. We are giving alternating performances throughout this U.S. tour of Beethoven’s “3rd Symphony” and his “7th Symphony,” and therefore, we felt that closing the entire tour at NJPAC with something different — the “5th Symphony” — would make a wonderful conclusion.
From the players’ perspective, how challenging of a piece is Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5”?
The “5th Symphony” requires maximum focus and attention from the players. There is really no place to rest. They are constantly being engaged by Beethoven’s particular brand of storytelling, shifting from the dramatic to the passionate to the melancholy and ultimately to the victorious. It requires both a technical and an emotional commitment from each and every player.
What makes the orchestra work so well to still be going strong 30 years after its first performance?
The CNSO does so many musical styles so well, they are dedicated to extremely diverse programming — from the classical symphonies and repertoire, which we are performing today, to movie soundtracks to performances with jazz and rock ensembles. From Beethoven and Mahler to Morricone and Sting, the orchestra is at home with all musical genres. This keeps our audiences entertained, and the orchestra is invigorated by the variety and challenges as well. The musical landscape is always interesting!
What’s it like working with violinist Robert McDuffie?
Our relationship goes back 30 years when he was a guest at the Spoleto Festival where I was music director. He is a wonderful musician and performer. We both have a strong Italian connection as today he has his music festival in Rome. We are both so grateful about the opportunity to collaborate once again, and I’m sure that these concerts are going to be musically exciting.
Do you feel that classical music has the power to transcend divisions in a global world?
Much has been said about the power of music to heal the human heart and transcend all kinds of global divisions. I do believe that music will always be a language with no borders; a language in and of itself, that regardless of where you’re from and what you believe, it can provide a sense of togetherness.
Are there challenges being based in the United States while being music director of the orchestra?
My wife likes to say that I commute to Prague like other people commute to the city from the suburbs! That said, I have been collaborating and performing with the CNSO for nearly 15 years, and Prague really feels like a second home.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
The Czech National Symphony Orchestra will perform Sunday, Feb. 19 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey. Click here for more information and tickets.
