Get to know Lawrence Power
Can you describe what it’s like to perform with the Philharmonia in London?
Playing with the Philharmonia is always special. It’s one of those orchestras that retains a very particular sound – this beautiful warm string sound and lush woodwind.
But it’s also because I live in London and it’s so special to play where I live. My wife plays in the orchestra, I have friends in the orchestra, and it’s a privilege to attend concerts. To return a UK premiere of this new piece that’s been written for me by Magnus Lindberg and to work with Esa-Pekka Salonen again is a dream.
Why should we rush to see Magnus Lindberg’s Viola Concerto live?
This is an incredible piece of music. Magnus’s music is kaleidoscopic in colour and is the reason that I was elated that this whole project came together. I’ve loved his music for so many years, and he’s one of those composers who constantly surprises you. And this is a surprising piece. He takes this beautiful instrument of many colours, the viola, and introduces these extraordinary pentatonic scales that lead us into the sounds of Eastern realms.
This piece really leans into that expressive character of the viola. I think people who are listening to it for the first time will be constantly dazzled and surprised by what he can do with the solo viola and its relationship with the orchestra.
How did it feel to do the world premiere of this piece in Helsinki?
It was wonderful to do the world premiere of this piece in Helsinki, Magnus’ home city. Performing a world premiere is always very special because it has literally never existed before that point. With these commissions I’m doing, I’m struck by the fact that the second you’ve finished a premiere then there is a little tradition that is going to influence you. The next time you play it, you think what went well, or what didn’t go well – which can be a double-edged sword. It’s always nice to try and keep that spirit of a first performance.
Viola concertos are not something that we get to see often. Why is the viola a unique instrument?
For me, the viola is the most intriguing voice of the string instruments, and not just because every viola is a different size which makes them all sound different. I sound very different from one viola player, and they sound different from the next one. In the string family, the other instruments are defined by the size of them. Whereas with violas, they can be different sizes, and the proportions are never mathematically perfect. There is always this slightly compromised instrument that has so much character to it. The opportunity to hear that on a large canvas within an orchestra is endlessly exciting. I think that’s why so many 20th century composers are drawn to writing for the viola.
How did this concerto come about and what was the collaborative process?
I’m currently on this journey of commissioning a lot of new music and I’ve always adored Magnus Lindberg’s music. I plucked up the courage to approach him and it turned out that a viola concerto was also a piece that he wanted to write.
In that process I really got to know Magnus. He’s a wonderful human being and an extraordinary and experienced composer. My role is very much just trying to facilitate what he’s written rather than a complete collaboration. I love the challenge of working with composers in this way because Magnus can write something that’s incredibly difficult, almost unplayable but you have to figure out a way to make it work.
Is there a place in nature or a landscape that that really inspires you?
What fascinates me is increasingly as I get older is how I feel connected to my roots. I grew up in the English countryside, not so far from London, and that environment really inspires me. I have my festival there and I feel drawn to that part of the world every year. I don’t know how it affects me musically, but I’m sure it has! I love the greenery, the silence, and the coziness of nature. After spending so much time frenetically playing, traveling and socialising, I’m drawn to these quieter areas more and more.
Lawrence Power joins us on Sunday 10 November for Magnus Lindberg’s Viola Concerto with Esa-Pekka Salonen.
