British conductor Martyn Brabbins first performed in Mumbai in September 2016, when he conducted the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI) on the works of Johannes Brahms, Richard Wagner and Gustav Holst. “The orchestra were perfect collaborators — fantastic individual musicians who came together to form a single musical organism of power and grace,” he recalls. A highlight was a rendition of Holst’s ‘The Planets’, which is not too often played. Says Brabbins, “It was very well-received in Mumbai. I was impressed with the orchestra and the chorus off-stage to conclude the piece. India has had a big impact on me. Mumbai is so full of energy, vibrancy and good humour.”
Sumptuous sound
The 59-year-old musician now fulfills his desire to return to the city, where he will conduct the SOI in its Spring Season that begins today at the Jamshed Bhabha Theatre. The programme will include Carl Maria von Weber’s ‘Overture To Oberon’, Camille Saint-Saens’ ‘Violin Concerto No. 3’ and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s ‘Symphony No. 2’. On February 9 and 10, he will present Ludwig van Beethoven’s ‘Choral Fantasy’ and Beethoven’s ‘Symphony No. 9’.
For Brabbins, conducting Beethoven has always been a special experience. “He is a composer of genius, and his humanity and spirit is specially depicted in the choral finale of the Ninth Symphony,” he says. “The choral writing is tough. The long high sustained lines for the sopranos, declaratory singing for the basses, plus delicate and sumptuous sounds needed to be created. Rehearsals will be thorough and demanding, without exhausting voices.” The programme was decided after discussions with National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) chairman Khushroo N. Suntook and SOI music director Marat Bisengaliev. “With Marat as soloist, we are sure to have a huge success,” says Brabbins.
Musical career
Also known for his interpretation of contemporary British classical music, Brabbins started off by playing the brass instruments euphonium and trombone. He says, “Conducting came gradually to me. I did a little as a student, then more in my early 20s, before finally spending two years studying in Leningrad.” Over the years, Brabbins has led the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, English National Opera, Royal Concertgebouw of Amsterdam, Tokyo Metropolitan and Deutsches Symphonie-OrchesterBerlin.
He points out, “The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and I have been making music together for 29 years. I have conducted all kinds of repertoire with this fantastic orchestra. We are truly musical friends. Each orchestra has its own unique personality. My task is to understand that personality and allow the orchestra to reveal its own strengths.”
Leading by example
What does he consider while choosing the programme? Brabbins responds, “I like to challenge as well as satisfy the audience and open up new horizons. I do feel that I should play British music outside Britain when possible. It is a good export.” The conductor names his teacher Ilya Musin as his biggest influence. His first-ever band conductor as a boy was William Scholes, and he also admires Carlos Kleiber and Claudio Abbado. He adds, “My favourite composer is the one whose music I am conducting. But Richard Wagner is perhaps my all-time favourite.” Describing himself as a collaborative maestro, Brabbins says, “I try to lead by example, show respect, and expect the same from musicians. My advice to young conductors would be to study hard, respect the music and the musicians.” The maestro’s association with the SOI won’t end with the Mumbai shows. He will also lead the orchestra at concerts in London, Cardiff and Edinburgh. Brabbins is particularly looking forward to the concert at London’s Cadogan Hall, with its excellent acoustics and loyal audience.
SOI’s Spring 2019 season starts from today with Saint-Saëns & Rachmaninoff at Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, NCPA at 7 p.m.; see bookmyshow.com for details
