Valentina Peleggi, Taki Concordia Conducting Fellow
There are a few times in your life when you make a wish. I remember very clearly the moment when I wrote down on a tiny piece of paper: I wish I could keep learning from Marin Alsop. I wish I could have a chance. Well, it happened! When I read that I was offered the 2015-2017 Taki Concordia Conducting Fellowship, I couldn’t believe that it was really happening. If you dream something with all your strength, then, when you realize that it is becoming true, it is like looking at a new life, and you start breathing more quietly in order not to wake up from this dream…
Valentina Peleggi in Porto Alegre
I can’t describe how thankful I am; words are not enough. As such, I will speak through the music, showing my sincere thankfulness, my enthusiasm in learning and developing, in sharing emotions and musical ideas with all the musicians I will have the chance to work with. Thank you to the generous support of the TCCF a new path is opened for young women conductors and as it is for me. Conducting is not a job, it is life.
News from the conducting life—
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure to be invited to work for the first time with OSPA- Porto Alegre Symphony Orchestra. Brazilian people can be so warm, so welcoming and generous. Each rehearsal was a step forward to a better understanding of one another. The music was flowing every session more fluently and more naturally. I am very glad to have had a chance to play the Korngold Violin Concerto which is simply beautiful, and especially with such an expressive violinist as Carmelo de Los Santos. During the concert one could almost touch the sound, everybody was playing with such great passion. It was a privilege to play with these sensitive musicians.
Valentina and violinist Carmelo de Los Santos in Porto Alegre
Fortunately, I had had the opportunity to follow Marin’s rehearsals on that very piece just couple of weeks before, with the London Symphony Orchestra at Barbican Centre. At that time she offered me fantastic advice on the Korngold score which helped me greatly in my own performance.
At the moment I’m back in Florence, and I’m preparing the next debut with ORT – Orchestra Regionale Toscana in three weeks: Arvo Part’s Silouans Song, Mozart’s Concertante for Violin and Viola, and Mendelssohn’s 4th Symphony. I am extremely excited to conduct with Boris Belkin and Yuri Bashmet as soloists! Now, practice time. Must focus on the scores and to build up the sound in my mind. Learning is imagination and pure joy!
Valentina in Porto Alegre