Just in: Mother of 3 wins conducting competition
OrchestrasThe Spanish conductor Noemí Pasquina has been pronounced winner of the Bucharest International Conducting Competition, directed by John Axelrod.
Pasquina, a grduate of the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, is married with three small children.
She also plays cello and sings blues.
Second in the competition was a British contender, Dominic Grier.
Good for her. Just wondered how many fathers of 3 children have won competitions….
I don’t think any male conductors have given birth three times yet, so no, it’s not the same thing.
Yes, men aren’t useful for much
I so enjoyed your comment. And I’m an old feminist!
Does Dominic have any children?
That’s some headline you’ve got there…
Now you will add the number of children for each conductor regardless man or woman????
Quite – totally irrelevant
The Olympic gold medal must surely go to Furtwangler, who had at least 13 children.
Bach: “hold my beer!”
The VI Edition of the Bucharest Conducting Academy International Competition for Conductors had a phenomenal turnout of 41 conductors from around the world, from all demographics, genders, ages and races. I was proud to lead the masterclass the week before and to be the President of the Jury, which included many directors of orchestras and operas around Romania.
Tchaikovsky was the composer inspiring the conductors to new levels of achievement.
I was very happy that the 3rd place winner, Jaehyuck Choi, also participated in the masterclass and proved his progress. And Dominic Grier, perhaps known to readers for his successful ballet conducting, enhanced his symphonic stature and easily won 2nd prize, conducting the piano concerto with the young 18 year old virtuoso Eva Garet.
The Bucharest Symphony Orchestra demonstrated as always its high level of professionalism and quality and more importantly the camaraderie so helpful to support developing conductors. And finally, the sold out gala concert in the Romanian Athenaeum has become an unforgettable memory for all the winning conductors who performed. We can all say we knew them when.
I am particularly proud of Noemí Pasquina, the 1st place prize winner who not only conducted each round with control, confidence, and connection but delivered a performance that, I dare say, was deeper than many subscription concerts I have heard over the years. The orchestra was inspired. No surprise then she also received the BSO Orchestra prize.
That she is also a mother of 3 children is nothing to be joked about. Any conductor, male or female, with children has a responsibility to balance both family and career. As it is in any profession. That she has done this and demonstrates the potential for an even greater career, poses challenges, but so many new opportunities for her, so well deserved.
The Queen of Spain and the Princess Leonor would do well to take notice of this example of a mother and conductor achieving such success. She is an example, like Mirga, that can give greater substance to the image of the female conductor. Her musical maturity and motherhood are nothing to joke about. She is the real deal.
I encourage all readers who are conductors interested in developing their craft and their careers to consider applying for the next BCA Competition in 2025.
Here are the total results from the BCA Press Release:
1st Prize & Bucharest Symphony Orchestra Award:
Noemí Pasquina, SPAIN
Noemí captivated the audience with her masterful conducting of the Bucharest Symphony Orchestra, delivering an unforgettable performance of Symphony no. 6.
2nd Prize:
Dominic Grier, UK
Dominic impressed both the jury and the audience with his outstanding conducting of the Piano
Concerto no. 1, as performed by the young soloist, Eva Garet.
3rd Prize:
Jaehyuck Choi, SOUTH KOREA
Jaehyuck delivered a compelling rendition of the Polonaise from Eugene Onegin, securing a grandiose concert opening.
4th Place:
Weizheng Ding, CHINA
5th Place:
Hyeju Jung, SOUTH KOREA
6th Place:
Nicolò Azzena, ITALY
Special Awards:
Bucharest Conducting Academy Award: Weizheng Ding, CHINA
Jury Award: Hyeju Jung, SOUTH KOREA
President of the Jury Award: Nikolay Shugaev, SWEDEN
Special Talent Award: Ioanna Vlagkouli, GREECE
Special Mentions:
Tuyouyou Wang, CHINA
Jonathan Snowden, USA
Stephen Mulligan, USA
Laurențiu Bischin, ROMANIA
Minju Lee, SOUTH KOREA
Success of the Masterclass and Sold-Out Gala Concert
The Bucharest Conducting Academy’s masterclass was a resounding success, providing invaluable insights and rigorous training to all participants. The sold-out Romanian Atheneum
Winners Gala Concert showcased the exceptional talent nurtured through the academy, drawing rave reviews from both attendees and critics.
A special thank you to Maestro John Axelrod for his unwavering dedication and leadership throughout these nine days of intensive work. We extend our gratitude to the esteemed jury for
their expertise and commitment to fostering the next generation of conductors. Lastly, our heartfelt
thanks to all the artists of the Bucharest Symphony Orchestra for their relentless passion and dedication to keeping the music alive.
The Bucharest International Conducting Competition has once again set the stage for an extraordinary celebration of musical talent, and we look forward to continued success and international recognition in the years to come.
There is absolutely nothing to be joked about when it comes to a mother of three having a thriving career. Your heartfelt description captures the essence of Noemi’s journey, and it is truly a pity that the headline chose to reduce her remarkable achievements to simply being a “mother of three.” I wish the focus had been on her exceptional talent, musicality, and depth of interpretation, all of which define her as an artist of great caliber. Noemi’s story is one of dedication and passion, and it deserves to be celebrated in all its facets.
And please don’t get me wrong: there is nothing, but absolutely nothing wrong about being a mother of three. Or a father of three.
I suspect that for someone the bloom went off Mirga’s rose some time back — possibly at the latest pregnancy or maternity break.
For me, any “bloom” vanished when I saw her jumping around, flailing her arms, and singing to a member of the orchestra who had a birthday. I prefer conductors who are less exhibitionist.
That’s some interesting PR work.
I hold deep reservations about competitions that are linked to masterclasses or conducting courses. In my experience, such affiliations can compromise the integrity and fairness of the competition. When a competition is intertwined with a masterclass or conducting course, it can create a conflict of interest. Participants may feel pressured to enroll in these courses to gain favor or improve their chances of winning. This situation not only undermines the merit-based evaluation of talent but also perpetuates a pay-to-play culture that is contrary to the principles of genuine artistic achievement. True talent should be recognized and rewarded on its own merits, free from any external influences or financial incentives. Therefore, I find it challenging to place my trust in competitions that do not maintain a clear separation between their judging processes and any associated educational programs.
You comment is warranted given past examples of non biased judging. But I can assure you of the complete integrity of this academy. No-one from the academy received preferential treatment. In fact, the 3rd place winner of the competition, did not conduct the masterclass concert of conductors selected by the orchestra, none of which won the competition. Choi won 3rd place because he earned it. The hard way by improving and conducting very well. The others also progressed and will do better. The academy masterclass is a preparation for the competition for many. But the judging process is absolutely fair and impartial, awarding those who clearly deserve the prizes. And let it be clear neither Pasquina or Grier attended the masterclass. They are just great artists. With respect to Noemi, I offer a comment from one of the principal musicians. This should be self-explanatory and not be subjected to any speculation of any external influence or financial incentive.
From the solo cellist Alexandru Dutulescu:”I am simply amazed by Noemi’s simplicity, humbleness and her completely perfect determination and professionalism.. she’s the full package! Being sensible but precise is a winning combo!”
True, but on the other hand, do you want to pay 100 euros, along with 600 others just to apply for a competition that accepts 20 or so applicants (Malko, Panula, etc), many of whom probably have an in anyway? Pick your poison.
So John Axelrod literally just posted a statement here saying “A special thank you to Maestro John Axelrod”. That along with the fact that one had to first pay him for lessons before winning a prize in his competition tells us all we need to know.
He was quoting a BCA press release. He says this clearly. Reading comprehension, Allen.
You’re absolutely wrong Allen. No one who won paid for lessons. Some people pay for private lessons for their own learning but they have not benefitted anyway from preferential treatment. That is your assumption and it is wrong. Moreover, CMO offers FREE repertoire masterclasses from a respected group of active maestri. So before you make baseless comments you might want to be informed and instead congratulate conductors who have worked hard to improve their craft. As for the press release I only pasted what the Bucharest Conducting Academy wrote. I am proud to be the teacher so I have no reasons to edit just to satisfy someone of your standards.
Wow, nice write-up! The level of detail and respect for the craft and all participants is very much appreciated and so very refreshing and enlightening. Thank you Mr. Axelrod!
Love that video!
The show must go on….classic became long ago showbiz!
Always true, and music moves, though slowly, with the times.
Conducting masterclasses/competitions like this one are often where conducting careers go to die. When a conductor’s career is in palliative care—marked by conducting minor or newly-created orchestras—it often indicates a significant decline from the peak of their professional achievements. These masterclasses usually come with fewer resources and less prestige, signaling that the conductor’s career trajectory has stalled or is in decline.
In such cases, many conductors turn to teaching as a last resort. While teaching (or mentoring young conductors for a fee) allows them to stay connected to the musical world, it often signifies the end of their ambitions for high-profile conducting opportunities. Instead of leading renowned orchestras and performing on notable stages, they find themselves instructing students, which, while respectable, can be seen as step down, as a concession that their conducting career is no longer viable at the level they once aimed for.
Conductor58 explanation about John Axelrod is so spot on!
Agree 100%
I’m flattered you know so much about me and I am so pleased you’ve evidently enjoyed my videos. Thank you. I’d be happy to cook for you sometime. Just send me your contact information and I’ll arrange a private chef’s table in the kitchen. I know just the recipe for you
That’s quite a general and rather misinformed statement. Actually I teach because Bernstein was my teacher who said: “Teaching is the noblest profession in the world.” And I am very proud of the successes my students have had and I am also grateful to still grace the podiums of some of the better orchestras in the world. I am quite content with my ambitions and place in the world. Are you? What are you actually doing Conductor58? Please do share with us your successes!
Dear John,
Why do you assume Conductor58 is talking about you? I believe Conductor58 is making a general statement that is, in essence, true: when performance careers stall, many performers resort to teaching. Nowhere is this person referring to you specifically.
Engaging in online discussions, especially when the topic is about yourself, can be tricky. It’s easy to misinterpret comments and take them personally when they might not be intended that way. Additionally, public exchanges can sometimes escalate unnecessarily and lead to misunderstandings.
As a piece of advice, it’s often best to refrain from participating in such discussions. Any good communications specialist would recommend maintaining a level of detachment and letting your work and reputation speak for themselves. Your career and contributions are out there to be easily found by anyone interested, and engaging in debates over perceived slights can detract from your position.
Kind Regards,
V
ViktorTR, if Maestro John is so proud that Bernstein pinched his nipple, obviously he can’t refrain from any opportunity commenting about himself (lol)
Viktor, I appreciate your advice and it’s well founded. Especially on a site like this. But it’s clear the comment was directed towards me. And I might add that the comment basically insults every conductor who is a teacher. There are many reasons why conductors teach, not necessarily because of a waning career. So I think it’s also best to refrain from validating what the comment was. I’m all for a respectful repartee but sadly online messaging loses all the necessary nuances. But your advice is well taken. I thought it was worthwhile to share with Norman the positive results of the competition but these readers use it to advance their own grudges and biases. As you write- it’s not worth it. Best of luck.
And how many children does Dominic have? Enquiring minds need to know.
As Dominic’s proud wife, I can confidently say that he currently has no children. If anything changes, we will make sure Norman is updated accordingly
How many of the men have children? Why is it relevant
“Father of 2 becomes Prime Minister.” A mindless headline but not quite as mindless as “…..”?
Who cares? About the number of children? Honestly, people. It’s 2023. Where have you been? In a parallel universe?
I would bet, based on what I have seen as a musician for 60 years, that few men, especially conductors, are spending the same time and energy committed to the care of their children. It just doesn’t work that way.
C’mon, this headline is a new low. Let’s stop fixating upon women’s reproductive capabilities like we’re in some bizarre Orwellian hellscape. It’s great she has three kids and also has honed this level of excellence, but you are completely aware of the damage this kind of headline does.
Noemí is a phenomenal conductor. Her win is a clear sign that women will completely take over the conducting profession.