Interview with conductor Tarmo Peltokoski

Hear 22-year-old rising star Tarmo Peltokoski talk about how he found classical music, what it was like to study with Jorma Panula and why audiences should cry to Shostakovich 5th.
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[@timmellin2815]

I saw him lead the L.A. Phil. Orch. this morning during the open rehearsal for tonite's show at the Hollywood Bowl. Never heard of the guy, but OMG ! You'd think a kid his age would be a little shy in his 1st gig w/ our seasoned L.A. orchestra. But he never hesitated in taking control, assertively making changes and corrections w/out hesitation. He led a pgm. of Sibelius #2 and Grieg Piano concerto. During the Grieg rehearsal, when he repeated parts to polish them, he didn't say "okay, 2 measures back from, etc. etc...." He just grabbed his whole score, turned around to the pianist, and shoved the score in the player's wheelhouse, and pointed directly at the part he wanted re-done. No hesitation. Then he quickly tossed his score back on his podium, and continued...just like that. Amazing: the confidence this kid has is astounding. I wanted to ask some of the players what their reactions were after the rehearsal had concluded (it went one hour over.....he was that meticulous) but didn't get a chance to, because by that time I guess the players were getting hungry for lunch, so they bailed quickly. Keep your eye on this guy.....he seems to have a laser focus.

[@VivekDehejia]

This was a fantastic interview! I completely agree with his perspective on the ending of the symphony. When do GSO and Maestro Peltokoski play the Shostakovich Fifth and (hopefully) will it be broadcast on GSO Play? Thank you!

[@ziweiyuan3178]

seems not easy to interview him and have an engaging conversation. but thanks for trying ! 😂

[@metroidfoosion73]

The Finns are known to not be the talkative sort, but his performances speak for themselves 😅

[@kissmetess]

Yeah seems a little arrogant and self aggrandizing ...not easy to communicate with...😂😅

[@reamartin6458]

Come back in 30 years when you’re a musician

[@Greg-kz8ts]

Thank you! This kid is full of himself

[@seongtaek84]

Another maestro and legend landed. See what Peltokoski will do next.

[@parkthoven]

Great young conductor whose style reminds me of young Esa-Pekka Salonen~~

[@Solomia65]

I ❤ this baby!