Preview: classical music

The 31-year-old Oxford-born conductor Daniel Harding says that he is often asked as a young conductor whether he is nervous to conduct a big world-leading orchestra or collaborate with established instrumentalists. The cool and bright conductor shrugs and says "No, I am not nervous about it, but nervous to become an example to teach other young conductors how to do that."

So will he feel nervous to see three Chinese students conduct London Symphony Orchestra, one of the world's leading orchestras, for which, he serves as the Principal Guest Conductor?

This morning, Harding and the orchestra members will give a master class for student c onductors from China's Central Conservatory of Music at Poly Theater where the orchestra will perform tonight.

Under the guidance of Harding, the students will conduct the LSO in one movement of Dvorak's Symphony No 9 with tuition also from LSO members including Gareth Davies (flute), Patrick Harrild (tuba) and Matthew Gibson (double bass).

The first of its kind outside London, the master class is a special part of Rolls-Royce's sponsorship of the LSO 2007 Tour of China, which will feature concerts in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Chinese pianist Lang Lang and violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann are soloists during the tour. The program reflects Rolls-Royce and the LSO shares commitment to nurturing young talent and respect for precision, innovation and excellence.

Harding told China Daily Wednesday afternoon, "We are excited to provide this unique opportunity to conduct students in China, to work with one of the world's leading orchestras and exchange views and ideas on music and the arts.

Three students won the lucky draws through application by sending their videos of conducting to LSO and Harding. Theyinclude Luo Zhenhua, Zhu Man, Jiao Yang.

The LSO will perform Beethoven's Violin Concerto in D Major with Zimmermann.

Chen Jie

(China Daily 04/20/2007 page20)