Lorin Maazel: “We are not satisfied with a good orchestra, we seek artistic excellence”

10.02.2006

The Music Director of the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, Lorin Maazel, stated today that, “we are building a high-quality orchestra, on par with the best international ensembles.” He explained that the standards are very high, “we are not content with just a good orchestra; we strive for artistic excellence.”
The Music Director of the Palau de les Arts is currently touring various world capitals to audition musicians from around the globe for positions in the Palau de les Arts orchestra. This week, the American conductor held auditions in Paris and London, which will continue in the coming weeks in Helsinki and New York, where he will audition thousands of musicians from across the world.

Maazel also asserted that an orchestra is the foundation of a great opera house. “My experience tells me that investing in a quality orchestra is a magnificent cultural investment,” the American conductor added.

In this regard, he emphasized that, “we are creating an orchestra that all Valencians and Spaniards will be proud of and that will be an ambassador for the Valencian Community and Spain in the world.”

A total of 5,230 musicians from around the world have applied, across both auditions, to join the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía orchestra, whose public debut is scheduled for next October. This is the highest number of applicants to date for the orchestra auditions.

Maazel also praised the international impact of the Palau de les Arts. “The Orchestra and the Palau de les Arts are generating great interest throughout the international music scene. Many people are asking about and showing interest in this orchestra and its selection process because they know about the ambition of this project and the high caliber of the musicians we are auditioning.”

“The international music world greatly values the significant commitment being made in Valencia to create a great orchestra and a great opera and art theater,” the director added.

High level of Valencian musicians

The prestigious conductor has highlighted the level of Valencian musicians. “I am witnessing firsthand the high caliber of Valencian musicians during these auditions. We seek the best musicians, and I have no doubt that among them are Valencian musicians who will become part of the Palau de les Arts orchestra.”

Lorin Maazel has emphasized his excitement about returning to conduct at the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía. “I am eager to conduct this orchestra before the Valencian public and at the Palau de les Arts. The experience at the opening concerts in October was wonderful, but conducting this orchestra in that magnificent theater will be something very special,” he added.