As one of the most prominent voices in classical music today, Edward Gardner has led the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) into a new era of artistic exploration and audience engagement. His tenure as Principal Conductor has been marked by a profound commitment to accessibility, an inspired programming vision, and an unwavering dedication to artistic excellence. Under Mr. Gardner’s guidance, the LPO has embraced a diverse repertoire, from classical cornerstones to contemporary compositions, inviting listeners to experience music through fresh perspectives.
In this feature, Mr. Gardner reflects on his journey with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, his approach to collaboration, and the invaluable rewards of his role as a conductor.
How does the London Philharmonic Orchestra continue to evolve and captivate audiences under your leadership?
It’s a whole web of work and ideas we use to engage further with our audiences—I believe in giving our public as wide a diet of music as possible, from different genres to absolutely new music. We work incredibly hard to bring schools and children into our audiences, both specifically in bespoke concerts for them and more generally—we also have our own education schemes for players and composers from all backgrounds and levels, to keep the message of our passion and the feeling importance of music for everyone.
What are some of the challenges and rewards of conducting such a large and renowned ensemble?
The rewards are infinite—the LPO, as well as being a great orchestra, is one of the most flexible and can play, even within one rehearsal, Schoenberg, Mozart, and Britten.
It’s of course a huge responsibility being at the helm of a great artistic institution, but I can promise you, the joy of the end result justifies everything!
Can you share a memorable concert or collaboration that stands out to you in recent years?
So many to mention—starting last season with Mahler’s 2nd in a wonderful performance, or our recent collaborations with Leif Ove Andnes and Patricia Kopatchinskaja spring to mind—I adore it when the orchestra feels the presence of great artists with them and rises, musically, to meet them.
How do you approach selecting repertoire for the season, and how do you balance tradition with innovation?
As you ask, it is a balance. One wants to give the audience confidence to come and be taken on a journey. I love connections between centuries, and oppositions within programs. Of course the core repertoire needs to be heard and played, but it can be experienced completely differently depending on context.
When working with different soloists and sections of the orchestra, what is your process for bringing out the best in each collaboration?
It’s wonderful now to have a family of soloists who I trust and know were on a similar page musically. I feel my role with these artists is to inhabit their interpretation of a piece, alongside my own, to produce the most coherent and exciting reading.
How do you maintain a balance between your personal artistic vision and the collective artistry of the orchestra?
The two aren’t mutually exclusive. When you work with great orchestras, like the LPO, you have a duty to make them sing, alongside your thoughts on an interpretation of a piece. It would be so dull if all orchestras played the same!
Reflecting on your own journey, what advice would you offer aspiring conductors and musicians as they start their careers?
Keep your peripheral vision open. Learn as much as you can about all art and life; it all feeds into what we do.
Through his visionary leadership, Edward Gardner has not only upheld the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s celebrated legacy, but also propelled it into exciting new territories. By encouraging a fusion of tradition with innovation, Mr. Gardner ensures that the LPO remains a vibrant, evolving institution, one that resonates with audiences of all ages. His dedication to music as a universal language of connection and discovery is reflected in each performance, leaving a lasting impression on all who experience the orchestra’s work.
We hope that you enjoyed learning more about Edward Gardner and the London Philharmonic Orchestra! Don’t miss the event, happening on Wednesday, October 16.
October 16 at 7:30 p.m.
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Your 20th anniversary Presenting Series season is brimming with unmissable gems. One is the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the famed ensemble founded over 90 years ago, which our audiences last experienced in 2006. Encounter the raw power and unbridled emotion of Sibelius’ Fifth Symphony, Shostakovich’s explosive First Violin Concerto with incomparable violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja as a soloist, and a new work by Kennedy Center Honoree, Cuban-American composer Tania León. This rare treat will ignite your emotions through a concert of dazzling orchestral colors.
*Made possible by the Robert M. and Ricki Conway Endowment for Excellence for the Performing Arts and the Denise DeBartolo York Fund for the DeBartolo Center for the Performing Arts.
