Russian conductor and virtuoso pianist Vladimir Ashkenazy tells Patrick Brzeski about the challenges of improving upon perfection.

When the Sydney Symphony Orchestra acquired Vladimir Ashkenazy as its new Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor in 2007, Australian classical music fans rejoiced over their good fortune in landing an undisputed legend. Often regarded as one of the preeminent solo pianists of the present era, over the years, Ashkenazy has also acquired equally superlative esteem as a conductor. In anticipation of the Sydney Symphony’s performance at the 23rd Macao International Music Festival, we got in touch with the 71 year old via email to discuss his recent activities and his expectations for his first trip to Macau.

How have things been going for you since your appointment at the Sydney Symphony Orchestra?

The Orchestra are of the highest class on the world stage and highly professional. I consider it a privilege to conduct them. When I guest conducted them a few years ago, I was very inspired by their commitment and high standard of playing, which continues now.

What is your vision for the Orchestra going forward?

My aim is to keep them on a level with the highest-class orchestras in the world. To be honest, I don’t know how much more you can improve, but I prepare well for our concerts, vary the repertoire we perform and always make a point to talk to the musicians to ask them about their own expectations and wishes for the Orchestra.

With your busy conducting schedule, are you still finding much time and energy to perform and record these days?

I practice the piano every day, even whilst I’m on an orchestral tour. This year I have recorded all the Bach Partitas and very much enjoyed it.

Do you find that the challenges and personal rewards of playing and conducting are different?

Of course I get the same experience from making music no matter which position I am in, but playing an instrument is a totally different proposition from conducting an orchestra. As an instrumentalist you are alone and have no-one to rely on but yourself, whilst conducting a symphony orchestra is naturally a collective effort, making the experience a very different one. It’s very easy to work out what the mental state of the performer might be from that!

Much of the program for your Asia tour is made up of Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, and Prokofiev. What is it that you admire in the works of these composers?

Who am I to offer an evaluation of such highly talented genii? I just try to do my best to interpret their incredible talent and what I consider to be some of the highest manifestations of the human spirit. I try to do as much justice to the great pieces as I possibly can.

After all these years as a world traveling artist and longtime Russian émigré, does Russian music hold a special place in your heart?

I am very much aware of the position of some of the most important representatives of Russian music. I place them in the proper perspective in the history of music, but I wouldn’t say I over or undervalue their contribution.

How do you assess the current development of classical music in China?

I don’t use the phrase ‘Classical music;' I prefer ‘serious music’. I am delighted that since the late 70s, China has managed to shed some of the chains and restrictions it used to suffer and can continue to embrace the highest spiritual achievements of mankind, including serious music. It cannot have been easy to begin all over again, but I have a great admiration of the Chinese, their industriousness, and everything they have achieved in the last decades, which is so impressive. These young Chinese musicians can now show their abilities all over the world, and I wish them further development and success.

This Asia tour brings the Sydney Symphony Orchestra to Macau and other locations in Mainland China for the first time? What are your expectations?

I am delighted that I can take the Orchestra to some places where they have never played before. It’s always very nice to see and greet a music-loving audience in a new and important place.

You’re well known for your energy and spirit onstage. Will Macau audiences be privy to that enthusiasm?

I also have never played or conducted in Macau, so I’m looking forward to it! I’m sure there will be a contingent of serious music lovers who I hope will enjoy the concert and our performance greatly.

Patrick Brzeski

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra performs at the Macau Cultural Centre on Thursday 22.