French conductor Michel Plasson. Photo: WangTingying

By Xing Daiqi

One of the world's most revered classical conductors Michel Plasson has assumed his new role as principal conductor of the China National Symphony Orchestra (CNSO), presenting Franck's Symphony in D minor and Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 at the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) Sunday.

"I wanted to present a panoramic view of music to the audience while featuring at least one French composition," Plasson told the Global Times. "That's why I chose Franck's symphony. It's French; it's romantic and sophisticated. I also feature Beethoven's work because it's the basis for all music. The message it delivers is universal and easy to understand for everyone."

Billed as Dancing of the Soul Symphonic Concert, the performance was a celebration of Plasson's new position and the beginning of a new era for the orchestra.

"I want to set China National Symphony Orchestra at the same level as every other great orchestra in the world and bestow them a rich repertoire which they can play constantly," the 77-year-old conductor said.

As the first foreign principal conductor of CNSO, Plasson will present a series of 10 concerts in China, including Sunday's performance. Known for his interpretation of French music, Plasson said that he is dedicated to adding more French composition to CNSO's repertoire.

"French music, especially that of the 19th and 20th centuries is exuberant and colorful," he said. "It is demanding for the musicians in terms of sound effect and the cooperation of the orchestra. The addition of more French composition will surely enhance the overall performance of the whole orchestra."

Plasson's cooperation with CNSO originated during his 2008 tour to China. As the then director of Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, Plasson made his China debut conducting the opera Le Roi d'Ys. It was during that time that he first con-ducted CNSO with Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique.

"This first collaboration was a great thrill for all of the musicians of China National Symphony Orchestra and it brought out the best of our orchestra to the audience," commented CNSO director Guan Xia. "That's why we decided to invite the master as the principal director of the orchestra."

Born into a musical family in Paris in 1933, Plasson received his piano training with distinguished pianist Lazare Levy and also excelled in percussion and conducting at the Paris Conservatory where he received a Premier Prix. Following the advice of conductor Charles Munch, he went to the US to study with Erich Leinsdorf, Pierre Monteux and Leopold Stokowski.

"There are many conductors that I'm fond of, such as Munch and Herbert Von Karajan," Plasson said. "I was deeply attracted by these masters who were like mysteries to me sometimes. I was wondering why some people's concerts were great success, while others' were not. These are the mysteries that I dedicate my life to solve."

In 1968, Plasson was appointed director of both the Orchestre and the Theatre du Capitole de Toulouse. He has since conducted a large number of operatic works including Salome, Aida, Faust and Carmen, with many receiving the highest of distinctions worldwide.

Plasson said that his substantial exposure to opera is a defining element of his style, which is subtle and exquisite.

"There is a huge difference between conducting an opera and a concert," Plasson commented. "As far as an opera is concerned, you have to make a decision with everyone involved in this work, including actors, the chorus and orchestra. You have to be collaborative and helpful. That's why I like conducting opera so much: It's like a wonderful school or a process of laboring. I sometimes consider myself a doctor who helps to give birth to a baby."

Plasson is one of the most in-demand conductors in the world and regularly works with the very best orchestras that classical music has to offer.

"One thing is for sure: a great country like China must have at least one symphony orchestra that matches its international status. That's where I'd like to help," he said. "As far as I can see, the CNSO can improve in terms of the quality of the sound, musicality and musical expression."

Plasson said he is also keen to discover new music here.

"I'd love to introduce more contemporary Chinese works to the audience, for example, I'll feature Earth Requiem by Guan Xia as the tribute to the May 12 Sichuan earthquake. I'll make sure Chinese compositions are regular repertoire of CNSO if I have the chance to tour abroad with the orchestra."

Plasson and CNSO will perform Earth Requiem Choral Music Concert on May 12 and French Classics Symphonic Concert June 8 at NCPA.