Holly Hyun Choe on the move

When Paavo Järvi works with the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, an assistant conductor sits in the hall with him. These are young conductors who learn from him, but also support him, for example by checking the sound balance in the hall or comparing what they hear with the scores. Occasionally, they conduct themselves - even after their "term of office" has ended.

In the current season, all four previous assistant conductors are leading the orchestra. Where do they stand today? And what do they take away from their time in Zurich? Their answers to these questions are as different as they are.

Felix Mildenberger was Assistant Conductor at the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich in the 2019/20 season and is now returning with the family concert "Peter and the Wolf".

Holly, we're talking in September 2024 - what projects are you currently pursuing?

I'm currently planning two projects with my ensemble reflektor for the Fratopia Festival in Frankfurt am Main: one with Billie Eilish arrangements and one with Beethoven's Ninth - with a newly composed final movement by composer Ying Wang.

What did you take away from your time as Assistant Conductor?

Firstly, the extensive repertoire, secondly the conducting and rehearsal techniques of one of the greatest conductors in history and thirdly the psychology of how a conductor communicates with the orchestra. I also learned how the organisation of an orchestra works, with its many departments. That will be very valuable if I become chief conductor one day.

Which encounter with the orchestra do you particularly remember?

I have particularly fond memories of the tonhalleLATE with music by John Adams, which I had the honour of presenting. There was a great energy in the hall. The techno party afterwards was also unforgettable, with people of all ages having a good time together in the Tonhalle.

Which of Paavo Järvi's phrases has stayed with you to this day?

I remember that we talked a lot about social intelligence. Paavo can perceive atmospheric things very quickly; humour and timing also play a big role. During a tense moment in a rehearsal, he said: "It's not important who's right or wrong, it's more important that we're together." I will always remember that.

What advice would you give to future assistant conductors?

Learn to communicate efficiently and sensitively with musicians. Be curious about everything. Get to know the musicians of the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich individually: Some will become mentors, with a wealth of musical-technical knowledge, as a source of inspiration; others will become good friends - and if you're lucky, even a warm support system for your future.