What are 5 of your favourite records of all time? (any genre allowed)
This is a very hard question. But here are a few records that mean a lot to me in my musical journey:
Continuum - John Mayer
In My Room - Jacob Collier
For Emma, Forever Ago - Bon Iver
Slowmotionary - Ethan Gruska
Atonement - Dario Marianelli
You've heard the aphorism: "Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire." What are your thoughts on the relationship of innovation and tradition in classical music?
There is so much exciting new work being created by artists of the classical and classical-adjacent genres all over the world. I’d like to see concert halls be more than museums dedicated to things of the past. I believe the best way to keep concert halls buzzing is to meet audiences where they are. That doesn’t mean watering down programs or sticking to “crowd favorites” but it does mean creating an inclusive and inviting environment for the concertgoer. The days of the conductor walking out, saying nothing, turning away from the audience, and starting the show should be over. Help audiences understand why this music is exciting and relevant beyond a blurb in the program. Give them context to appreciate it. Many are already doing this, but I still think we have some work to do to overcome the stuffy stigma of the concert hall.
Creating music can be both a solitary and a social activity. Can you tell us about the importance of community and/or collaboration in your work?
I can explain it like this: I don’t live in Nashville because it’s my favorite city in the world, although I do like Nashville. I live here because this is where my community is. Place without community is a harsh existence, and creating music is the same. For myself, I feel lucky to have several collaborators and artist peers with whom I can share music and ideas. Those people contribute immensely to the enjoyment of my creative life. On the days when I feel low, they can lift me up. Carving a path in music can be grueling and relentless, but sharing the journey makes it a bit lighter.
Which artist - dead or alive - would you most like to work with and why?
I am a massive John Williams fan. I’d love to work with him on anything. I think his contribution to modern music is incalculable, particularly in the area of orchestral music. I learn something every time I listen to his work.
Which work do you wish you had written yourself?
This has perhaps been overplayed in recent years, but I think I’d have to go with Clair de Lune. I can only hope to write something that remains so poignant hundreds of years later. It’s just a crushingly beautiful piece of music.
The End is out on IDAGIO now.