Artist of the Week
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Artist: Thomas Payne
Artform: Musician What do you do and what are your main focuses? I’m an orchestral conductor. Right now most of my work is for the theatre, in ballet and opera, but I have a great passion for purely instrumental music and accompanying lieder on the piano. Where have you studied? I studied the violin in Birmingham with Lorraine McAslan and Simon Smith but conducting privately with Philip Ellis and other private tutors. Why do you conduct? I always had an interest in it from an early age and that meant that at Junior Music college I took it as a second study which started me on this path. I felt it would be a way to make more of an impact in both mine and others’ musical lives. I really felt I had something to say which was more than the violin could express alone, certainly in my hands! |
What is your role in 'Snow White: Reimagined'?
I’ll be the conductor on this project which I’m very excited about, it mixes two of my passions, contemporary music and dance so being able to combine the two with a great ensemble is a treat.
I’ll be the conductor on this project which I’m very excited about, it mixes two of my passions, contemporary music and dance so being able to combine the two with a great ensemble is a treat.
Photo credit: Cliva Barda
Tell us about conducting Le Nozze di Figaro!
Well it was my main stage debut at the Royal Opera House, something I’ve dreamed of for years and it finally came true! I was conducting Le Nozze di Figaro as part of the Jette Parker Young Artists Programme at ROH with my fabulous colleagues Michael Mofidian as Figaro and Yaritza Veliz as Susanna, both of whom have wonderful careers ahead of them. I had the pleasure of working with another rising star, director Noa Naamat who is someone I continually learn from.
Well it was my main stage debut at the Royal Opera House, something I’ve dreamed of for years and it finally came true! I was conducting Le Nozze di Figaro as part of the Jette Parker Young Artists Programme at ROH with my fabulous colleagues Michael Mofidian as Figaro and Yaritza Veliz as Susanna, both of whom have wonderful careers ahead of them. I had the pleasure of working with another rising star, director Noa Naamat who is someone I continually learn from.
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Why is contemporary art important?
I’m often asked this question and I try to relate it to those great geniuses who have shaped our world in the past, Mozart, Wagner, Mahler, Schoenberg to name but a few (let alone artists, poets and novelists) and thought that if I were alive then and I wasn’t performing their music or listening to it then I would be mad! It’s a contextual representation of our era through sound and why on earth do I not want to be part of it? I feel it’s incredibly important. What are you influenced by? My colleagues! I’m so lucky to be in a position with the Royal Opera House and Royal Ballet that I’m surrounded by the world’s greatest artists on a day to day basis, meaning there is always something to learn and I cherish every moment. What motivates you? Connection with other people. I feel I can only fully be myself or motivate others if I am completely prepared myself so hard work combined with the rehearsal and learning process is something which never fails to make me want to do it day after day. |
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What are you most looking forward to in 'Snow White: Reimagined'?
I think delving into Leon’s score. When it arrive on my desk in the full version three years ago I knew it was something I really wanted to do, but in this reduction it means we’ll have to think completely differently about the interaction between instrumentalists and myself as well as with the stage, an exciting prospect!
I think delving into Leon’s score. When it arrive on my desk in the full version three years ago I knew it was something I really wanted to do, but in this reduction it means we’ll have to think completely differently about the interaction between instrumentalists and myself as well as with the stage, an exciting prospect!
Anything interesting coming up soon?
Yes I’ll be making my debut with Scottish Ballet in April and coming back down in May to the Royal Opera House to perform Schoenberg’s Chamber Symphony No.1 which I cannot wait for!
Further Links:
www.thomaspayneconductor.co.uk
Want to see 'Snow White: Reimagined' - the show Thomas is conducting!? Find out more here.
Yes I’ll be making my debut with Scottish Ballet in April and coming back down in May to the Royal Opera House to perform Schoenberg’s Chamber Symphony No.1 which I cannot wait for!
Further Links:
www.thomaspayneconductor.co.uk
Want to see 'Snow White: Reimagined' - the show Thomas is conducting!? Find out more here.
