Shlomo Mintz, a distinguished violinist and winner of numerous international competitions, will perform as the soloist for the Philippine Philharmonic’s presentation of the Bruch violin concerto on Friday, September 27. Mintz emphasized that competitions are not a definitive way to assess a young artist’s potential.
As a jury member for prestigious events like the Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition in Brussels, and the International Henryk Wieniawski Competition in Poland, Mintz noted the inherent flaws in competitions. “It is extremely challenging to quantify the open and subjective nature of art. This issue is prevalent across all competitions, even the most esteemed. Through my experience as president of various international competitions, I’ve discovered that despite their limitations, these contests reveal a crucial truth: many non-winners go on to achieve significant success globally, while some winners may not.”
However, Mintz qualified his statement, acknowledging that “despite their imperfections, competitions play a valuable role in shaping the careers of young artists. They create a bridge to the public, which shows curiosity and a desire to discover and support new talents. While they may have their shortcomings, competitions are an effective way to introduce young artists to the international arena.”
In discussing his role as a conductor, Mintz highlighted the importance of not only conducting but also studying works by a composer that relate to the specific piece being performed. “For instance, when dealing with a violin concerto or a piano concerto, conducting teaches you to develop a relative ear and a deeper understanding of the music by connecting different works from the composer. This approach provides a more comprehensive view and a solid foundation for interpretation.”
As a seasoned artist, Mintz expressed that there are elements in an artist’s life that hold more significance than competing against peers. “What truly matters is having a passion for music, and this passion must be conveyed to the audience. The audience is there to be emotionally moved and impressed, and it is the performer’s responsibility to achieve that. I am excited about my first interaction with the audiences in Manila and my opportunity to work again with Maestro Grzegorz Nowak and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.”
Born in Moscow and later emigrating to the United States, Mintz has received several prestigious awards, including the Premio Internazionale Accademia Musicale Chigiana, the Diapason D’Or, the Grand Prix du Disque, the Gramophone Award, the Edison Award, and the Cremona Music Award. He studied under Ilona Feher, who introduced him to Isaac Stern, his mentor, and also learned from Dorothy DeLay in New York.
The concert at the Samsung Theater for Performing Arts will feature Mintz as the soloist in the Bruch Concerto, which he previously recorded with the Chicago Symphony under the direction of Claudio Abbado.
“I first met Maestro Nowak on a renowned cruise ship where prominent international musicians perform. He also conducted my initial performance of Bartók’s Violin Concerto No. 2 in Copenhagen. I eagerly anticipate our renewed collaboration and the opportunity to share music on stage with Maestro Nowak!”
Mintz shared that the Bruch concerto holds special significance for him. “I studied this concerto with the legendary maestro Isaac Stern when I was quite young, around the same time I met Cecile (Licad). It was also the first major recording I did for Deutsche Grammophon, conducted by Claudio Abbado with the Chicago Symphony. I fondly remember Maestro Abbado’s support during that recording, and I still regard it as a fine sample for emerging artists. The concerto is extremely melodic, beautiful, harmonious, and emotional, making it a favorite among audiences worldwide.”
In addition to the Bruch concerto, the opening concert for the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s 40th season on September 27 will also showcase Jeffrey Ching’s Fiesta Contrapuntistica and Strauss’ Ein Heldenleben.
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