Backstage pass: on the road with Nuno Carapino
What’s your favourite memory from touring with the Philharmonia Orchestra?
There are too many to capture in a short answer. Many relate to the remarkable places we performed in or the unforgettable meals that accompanied them, but my favourites are the concerts where unexpected challenges brought the orchestra together on stage. One such moment was in Zaragoza, when Santtu was unwell and unable to conduct, and we performed the concert with the concertmaster conducting! It was tense, but deeply memorable.
What did it mean for you to perform again on stages like Carnegie Hall as part of the 80th Birthday US tour?
Although I had performed in New York before, it was my first time playing at Carnegie Hall. It was a very special experience. I was aware of the mythology surrounding the hall, but I did not fully anticipate the quality of its acoustics. The concert remains a very vivid memory.
What rituals or routines have you developed to stay connected with colleagues on the road?
After concerts, I enjoy unwinding with colleagues by sampling local beer or wine, depending on the place. On longer journeys, particularly bus trips, there was also a period where spirited Mario Kart competitions took place, which was really fun. But my absolute favourite is to organise a football match, ideally against local musicians. It’s a great way to meet musicians all over the world and play the beautiful game.
Have you discovered any local music traditions that inspired you while touring?
Always. Musicians absorb influences constantly, and there is invariably something that leaves an impression – whether a cimbalon player in Bucharest, a flamenco guitarist in Seville, or even the jingles of Tokyo’s underground stations.
What does a typical day look like for you on tour?
Tour schedules vary considerably, which makes a typical day hard to define. I try to include some exercise and, when time allows, seek out a good espresso (sometimes those two get combined). Above all, knowing the bus departure time, and being on it, is essential.
If you could choose one dream destination for a future tour, where would it be and why?
There are many places the orchestra visited before I joined that I would love to experience, but a dream tour would be Southern Africa. Travelling by train, perhaps on something like the Shongololo Express, would make it even more special.
What advice would you give fellow musicians about maintaining performance quality and wellbeing through extensive touring?
Prioritise eating and sleeping whenever the opportunity arises, as both can easily be disrupted and affect everything else. And if there has been generous “sampling” of local drinks, a pint of water before bed is always wise.
Musicians absorb influences constantly, there is invariably something that leaves an impression
