‘The Science of Opera’ from Stephen Fry

Readers will be familiar with numerous studies claiming the physical and psychological benefits of participating in musical activities. The pressures of being a solo performer in the public eye are anything but calming. Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix – rock stars who died young weren’t the only ones. In classical music, Pergolesi,…

Last month, conductor Simone Young gave this interview to Deutsche Welle, Germany’s national broadcaster. In it she talks about her work as general manager and music director at the Hamburg State Opera and chief conductor of the Hamburg State Philharmonic. As well as giving her insights into some basics of conducting, she also talks about her…