Ulf Wadenbrandt
I’m Looking Forward to Play Wacken

17.11.2015

Russia’s metal scene has a big anniversary this year, as its flagship band, Aria, turns 30 years of age. This landmark date will be celebrated over two days of Aria Fest, which will take place in Moscow on November 28-29. On the first day, the band will be joined by many of its former members, and the second day will see the revival of “Classic Aria”, the band’s pairing with a symphony orchestra. As in the original show, which was staged back in 2002, Aria will play together with Globalis Orchestra, but the conductor is new to many of the band’s fans. A charismatic Swede named Ulf Wadenbrandt is, however, very well known in the world of classical music, as he has conducted orchestras not only in his homeland, but also in Russia and the Czech Republic, and also in the world of pop, where he worked with e.g. Chris Norman and Eurovision winner Elena Paparizou. In the run-up to the celebrations Ulf found some time to answer a few questions…

To begin with I’d like to ask about your first performance on stage – do you remember emotions you had?

As a conductor I had a performance with a percussion ensemble, it was so cool that I fell in love from the first moment. It turned out to be the start of all about conducting and now I'm trapped and I love it!

How in general do people become conductors?

To be honest I think it has different ways: some people want it from the start of their career and others understand it later in life when they are more experienced.

Do you have any conductors who have a special meaning for you?

For me they’re Leonard Bernstein, John Williams and also Gustavo Dudamel who has the driving force that I like!

What criteria do you have when you decide whether or not to participate in a project?

First of all it has to be good music and fun people to work with  - I think they’re two main things for me. I also like new things to happen so I'm always looking for new cool collaborations.

Who has influenced you as a musician the most?

I think mostly my father. After that it was drummer Jeff Porcaro from the band Toto. When I was a really young cat I loved to copy his playing. But nowadays I have my own style. It’s all about experience.

If you were not a musician, what kind of work would you like to have?

Ops, it’s a complicated question. Maybe a guy in the radio, I can speak for hours.

Do you manage to perceive music not as a conductor or do you analyze it all the time?

I try not to analyze music all the time because it may make me crazy, but sometimes it’s difficult. However, I think when I start to be a little grown up it will be easier just to listen and enjoy it!

What do you like most of all in your work?

You know I love the force of music, the magic to do it together with the other musicians and the audience - that’s the main thing for me.

Let’s imagine that you have an opportunity to communicate with any person ever lived…  Who will he or she be?

Cool question! I think it’s drummer Buddy Rich – me, my brother and my father love his drumming, he is a real legend!

What era would you like to live in?

It’s a difficult question… I would like to be an Indian or someone else in North America in 1800s - I like to be close to the nature.

If it isn’t a secret, do you have any kind of superstitious beliefs connected with music?

No, I’m not superstitious, and it’s cool.

Do you depend on someone in your conductor’s work or you are as free as possible?  

I want to be as free as possible, the only thing I need to do is a good job so my assistant has my scores in shape.

How do you usually hold the first meeting with the musicians you haven't met before?

Open attitude is the most crucial thing. I introduce myself, say ‘hello’ to everybody and say, ‘Let’s work and have great time together!’ It’s important to see all musicians so everybody is in a good mood when we work together.

What particular musicians would you like to work with?

I should think! Probably working with Robbie Williams and Aerosmith would be cool! They’re just some of many. Robbie Williams has some really strong songs and lots of charisma on stage so we will be a good team. Aerosmith is a really good rock band with lots of classic hits and they are also really charismatic on stage. It’s my wife’s favorite band so I think she will be really happy if it is an upcoming collaboration!

Could you give any advice to beginning musicians?

There are two things: enjoy what you do and practice as much as you can. Try to take part in all gigs you can, get as much experience as you can and also try to play different music – it’s good that you can get different performances in all styles!

Taking into consideration the fact that you’re extremely busy do you have time for hobbies?

Yes, of course. I have some simple things: I love to be with my family, go swimming, skiing and just to relax that is good for my health, so I hope in the future when I'm in Russia I can try to go skiing! Is it possible in Gorky Park?

Yes, I think so. What is your attitude to the fact that many people are very far away from classic music?

I think we have a mission to teach people that classic music is good because many children do not know about classic music and classic instruments. I think that I have a big mission as a conductor, musician and father to teach children classic music and all good music. When they grow up, we will all need it.

How do you feel about the upcoming gig with Aria?

It’s the best question! I can't wait for the upcoming concert. Now I have got some of the scores and they look really great. I'm eager to play this concert - it will be a once-in-a-lifetime event. I’m looking for meeting the guys from the band and talking about their music and of course playing it together!

What activities would you like to try in the future?

In music I wan to find new bands and artist I haven't worked with.  I'm looking forward to get an opportunity to play a concert for example at Wacken festival - I think I would be a cool experience.

How do you see your life in 20-30 years?

The most important is to keep health. If I have it I will tour forever, it’s growing all the time. I’m also looking forward to have both my daughters in my symphony orchestra when I'm touring. They are 10 and 14 years old now so it will be cool to work together with them, both of them are violin players.

Is there a question you would like to answer, but it hasn’t been asked?

Do you travel alone when you are touring as a conductor? The answer is NO, NO & NO! Why? I’m telling you a secret: I never come to the right orchestra or town because that’s my weakness. I'm not good at watching time and finding right places. But I'm a hell of a good conductor!

Last, but not least: that you would like say to the world right now?

I think that because of what’s happening in the world right now the only thing we can do is just to go on, have lots of fun and take care of each other – that’s my thinking about life.

Ulf Wadenbrandt on the Internet: http://www.wadenbrandt.com

Special thanks to Natalia Stupnikova for arranging this interview

Evgenia Dryakhlova
November 17, 2015
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