Interview with Gianandrea Noseda about his personal approach to spirituality

Gianandrea Noseda and the Orchestra of the Zurich Opera House form a perfectly attuned team, masterful in conveying intense emotions and supporting renowned voices. At the Elbphilharmonie, they present two Easter programs: Giuseppe Verdi’s Requiem on March 31st, followed by a collection of Passion-themed works on April 1.

In the interview, the Italian star conductor reveals how he experiences spirituality, why he prefers to »read« rather than interpret scores, and what makes the live experience of music so incomparable. His message to the audience: stay open, listen closely—and let yourself be surprised.

Maestro Noseda, you will be performing two Easter concerts at the Elbphilharmonie with the Orchestra of the Zurich Opera House: the first features Verdi’s Requiem, and the second a collage of Passion-themed works that ultimately leads into Prokofiev’s Suites from the ballet »Romeo and Juliet«. How did the idea for this program come about?

The starting point was the Easter season. I was thinking about how to shape a program that would reflect that spiritual dimension, and at the same time connect with our upcoming new production of Prokofiev’s »Romeo and Juliet«. So the idea was to create a meaningful bridge between these worlds.

For the first half, I wanted to focus on spirituality. That is why we chose selected movements from »The Seven Last Words of Our Savior on the Cross« by Haydn. Since Regula Mühlemann is joining us, it felt very natural to include soprano arias from the »Stabat Mater« by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi and from the Mass in C minor by Mozart. We also perform the Sinfonia »Al Santo Sepolcro« by Vivaldi. It is a combination of different musical forms—sacred music, symphonic writing, vocal expression. At first glance it may seem very composite, but I believe it works. Especially with the presence of Regula, the first half becomes very intriguing, with the alternation between orchestral music and sacred vocal pieces. The second half then presents Prokofiev’s ballet score to »Romeo and Juliet« that I conducted in my very first professional concert. It is different in character, but it also connects in certain ways.

And in what way do you see a connection between the spiritual first half and Prokofiev’s Suites?

The story of »Romeo and Juliet« is about the conflict between two families. There is violence and hatred. But there is also the figure of Friar Laurence, who tries to bring the two sides together. He fails, but the attempt itself is meaningful. So there is also an element of how spirituality could help to reconcile different things. Life is not easy. There are moments of friction and anger. If there is an element of stability—whether you call it spirituality or something else—it can help you find a way out of conflict. Not only to escape from it, but perhaps to become a different and hopefully better person.

Sergej Prokofiev © Creative Commons

You mentioned that spirituality can act as an element of stability in moments of conflict or tension. I’m curious — what does spirituality mean to you personally?

For me, spirituality is not only connected with religion. Being spiritual does not automatically mean being a religious person. It is more about a connection—a connection with the world and with yourself—that can guide you in making a decision. We are constantly making decisions, even when we do not realize it. Sometimes we believe we are deciding freely, but in reality we are influenced by many external factors. Even algorithms suggest things to us and guide us in certain directions. But we still have the possibility to decide—even to decide not to follow what is proposed.

Music gives us the space to reflect before making those decisions. It makes us thoughtful. It allows us to be present and to take responsibility for our lives, knowing that there are always elements we cannot control. That is why I believe music is so powerful. It is not a speech or a lecture. It speaks through emotion. It reaches the heart and the mind at the same time. And through that emotional experience, it can guide us—not by forcing us, but by inviting us to listen and to think.

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Read the full interview here: Interview with Gianandrea Noseda - Elbphilharmonie Mediatheque