Sir Mark Elder conducts debut concert in Mumbai

Renowned British conductor Sir Mark Elder recently made his debut in Mumbai, conducting the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI). He chose to lead the orchestra in a performance of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Third Symphony, or Eroica, which has not been played by them in a long time. Elder shared that the SOI wanted to keep the orchestra size similar to a performance led by Zubin Mehta just a week earlier. He prepared the musicians for the special second movement, which is a funeral march, as well as the lively third movement. The concert took place at the Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, concluding the SOI's Spring 2025 Season. Before Eroica, the audience enjoyed the Overture to Carl Maria von Weber’s opera Oberon and Robert Schumann’s Overture, Scherzo & Finale. Elder described the Oberon Overture as a beautiful piece despite its tragic story, adding that it was fun for the orchestra to play. He noted that Schumann’s piece is often overlooked, calling it an experimental work. Sir Mark Elder has a long history in music. He began by singing in a cathedral and later learned to play the piano and bassoon. Over the years, he has held prominent conductor roles in the UK and the U.S., including the Halle orchestra in Manchester, where he focused on rebuilding their artistic and commercial reputation. Elder adapts his approach based on the unique personalities of each orchestra he conducts. In Mumbai, he observed the musicians during rehearsals before guiding them to achieve the sound he envisioned. He expressed happiness at seeing more young people attending concerts, reflecting a positive future for classical music. With over 55 years of experience, Elder advises aspiring conductors to remain patient, diligent, and humble. He emphasizes the importance of studying music and being adaptable in their craft.