»A great football player will tell you that they need to be in the finals in order to perform their best. The pressure is important. In American orchestras, there is a lot more pressure, because you have more concerts than in a European orchestra. A regular week with the Chicago Symphony would have four concerts.« –Cristian Măcelaru
He studied in the USA and conducts the great orchestras in America and Europe. Cristian Măcelaru is principal conductor of the WDR Symphony Orchestra, with whom he gave a celebrated concert at Beethovenfest 2022 starring violinist Agustin Hadelich. In conversation with festival director Steven Walter he provides deep insights into his work. Listen to the podcast to hear about the difference of American and European orchestras, about the worth of the radio orchestras and about how his Rumanian identity influences his musicianship.
»Art is the closest we will come to be immortal. Beethoven is immortal because of his music.«
Cristian Măcelaru shares interesting perspectives on lesser known and well known musical works he has interpreted with the WDR Symphony Orchestra. Listen to the referenced works in the playlist.