The OSO proudly presents Mendelssohn & Chopin, the fourth concert in our Mainstage Series, April 4, 5 and 6.
Julian Pellicano is the fourth and final short-listed conductor in the OSOsa国际传媒 search for a new music director.
鈥淚 have been in love with Mendelssohnsa国际传媒 4th Symphony, the 鈥業talian,鈥� ever since I first heard it. Maybe this is especially because I am the child of Italian immigrants and having been to Italy many times, I鈥檝e always felt very connected to the vignettes of Italy that Mendelssohn attempts to paint in this symphony,鈥� he said.
He responded this week to a Q&A.
10 Cool Things sa国际传媒 Julian Pellicano
1. Most Unusual Performance
Location
Itsa国际传媒 hard to pick just one, but I鈥檝e had some memorable performances. With the Winnipeg Symphony, we played in front of a packed crowd at Winnipegsa国际传媒 Little Brown Jug Brewery, next to giant steel tanks. I also led musicians on the diving platforms of an Olympic pool and conducted John Luther Adams鈥� Inuksuit in -38掳C temperatures on the frozen Red River. Other highlights include concerts in a 17th-century palace courtyard in Oviedo, Spain, and an orchestra rehearsal inside a former dockside warehouse in Porto Alegre, Brazil, featuring a grand piano once owned by legendary Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos.
2. Alternative Career
I鈥檝e always been passionate about music, particularly instruments. If I hadn鈥檛 pursued performance or conducting, I鈥檇 probably be building instruments, perhaps crafting timpani bowls, forging triangles, or restoring vintage xylophones. Being a percussionist and timpanist, it feels like a natural path.
3. Dinner with an Historical Figure
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be Claudio Monteverdi. He revolutionized music in 1607 by composing L'Orfeo, the first opera still performed today. I鈥檇 love to learn about the early opera movement, its roots, and how it shaped symphonic music over time. A meal in Mantua would make it even better!
4. Who Would Play You in a Biopic?
I never thought about this before, but when I asked friends, they suggested Ralph Macchio from the '80s as young me, and Stanley Tucci for the older version. I approve鈥擬acchio in The Karate Kid and Tucci in Big Night both have a certain charm that fits.
5. Favourite Canadian Artist Outside of Classical Music
I grew up on Canadian comedians, who are some of the funniest people around. Among them, my favorite is Martin Short. He blends intelligent humor with slapstick and perfect timing, making him a comedic genius.
6. Best Piece of Advice
I鈥檓 grateful for the support of my parents. When others doubted my career in music, they told me to work hard and pursue what I loved because life is too short not to. Their guidance has been invaluable to my success.
7. Surprising Hobby
I love fishing, especially in Long Islandsa国际传媒 surf, inlets, and back bays, or in the pristine waters of Western Ontario. One of my proudest moments was helping my friend land a 50-inch, 28-pound musky on the Winnipeg River.
8. Instantly Master Any Skill?
I鈥檝e always tried to make great pizza, having grown up near the legendary Umbertosa国际传媒 of New Hyde Park in New York. If I could instantly master making pizza as good as theirs, I鈥檇 be thrilled鈥擴mberto is a true artist.
9. Favourite Sport and Team
I鈥檓 a New York Islanders fan through and through. However, after spending 11 years in Manitoba, I鈥檒l root for the Winnipeg Jets when they鈥檙e not playing the Islanders.
10. Guilty Pleasure
I鈥檓 not ashamed to admit that I get hooked on Law & Order marathons, particularly the old episodes with Detective Briscoe and D.A. McCoy. Once itsa国际传媒 on, itsa国际传媒 hard to pull me away!
