5 minutes with ... James Jordan and Bramwell Tovey.(Interview)

James Jordan and Bramwell Tovey share a passion for conducting. They will be the Keynote Speakers for MTNA's 2007 Conference in Toronto. Jordan is one of the nation's pre-eminent conductors, writers and innovators in choral music. He is associate professor of conducting and senior conductor at Westminster Choir College. Tovey, who has conducted orchestras throughout the world, is music director of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and recently completed a term as chief conductor and music director of the Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg.

Can you give us a sneak preview of what topic(s) you will touch upon in your MTNA keynote address?

Jordan: I will be speaking about the complex, but necessary, aspects of one's spiritual awareness that are necessary in all aspects of music making. How we view ourselves and others, and how we can use the life we have already lived to allow the music we make to connect with others.

Tovey: Ever since I first sang in a choir at the age of 5, I was aware of the power of music. During my MTNA address I want to salute our music educators who are giving our children a powerful means of expressing themselves, thereby offering them one of the most potent forces for good in our civilization.

What practical advice would you give to aspiring young conductors?

Jordan: Several things come to mind. Take time daily to know yourself, and strive to be yourself at all times in front of your ensembles. Also, have enough belief and love of self to do what you do and not copy others. Try to appreciate and understand the power of your own musical spirit.

Tovey: Always be prepared. Never assume that you can get away with anything once you stand in front of your peers. Perhaps most importantly, do not even think of becoming a conductor unless you absolutely must--it is a very tough road.