Néstor Bayona: "In music, as in elite sports, it's very easy to rise to the top, but not at all easy to stay there."

LleidaAt only 39 years old, pianist Nestor Bayona He can still be considered one of the youngest conductors of his caliber. Based between Berlin and Barcelona, ​​he was appointed resident conductor of the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra two years ago, but remains very connected to his roots in Lleida. On November 9, just one day after his performance at the Palau de la Música Catalana, he will come to the Enric Granados Auditorium in Lleida to conduct the Vallès Symphony Orchestra and perform the Semiramis, the Ravel piece that was recently discovered thanks to Ricard Viñes' diary.

This score has only been performed in public three times. He'll be playing it almost blind!

It was composed 125 years ago, but practically no one had given it a reading until just a few months ago. But looking at this score, its character is very clear; it's truly fresh and with an oriental touch, as Viñes mentioned.

Oriental? What did he mean?

At that time, "oriental" denoted distant. I think he was referring to dances of Russian and Eastern European origin. But you can also clearly see the influence of Spanish music that Ravel had in his youth.

Without having gone yet.

This initial motivation, everything she heard about Spain, its character, and its dances, came from her mother, who told her anecdotes about her time in Madrid. And this is very evident in this dance.

I understand that Lleida is a mandatory stop for this premiere.

It will be a concert to enjoy.With a wonderful violin soloist and pieces by Ravel and Saint-Saëns, it will culminate with The three-cornered hat by Manuel de Falla, one of the most symbolic works of the 20th century Spanish repertoire.

In Lleida, under the direction of a local filmmaker.

I'm one of those performers who loves returning to his homeland, to his country. I want the public to feel proud to have someone from Lleida who's doing interesting things abroad and who can come back home to share them.

But you have said before that abroad they help talents more and that here they only value you when you have proven your international worth.

I've been very lucky to build my career abroad and now to do it here. I can't complain…

But…?

But it's also true that there are cases where people build careers abroad and then struggle to find a way back into the Spanish market. In our country, as in many others, we experience the "factor" (return to Spain). star.

What does it mean?

A country where only the stars reign.

Do concerts like the one in Lleida allow us to think that classical music has ceased to be elitist forever?

Classical music was originally intended for the aristocracy. But since Stravinsky, it has become accessible to everyone. The Rite of Spring It was a revolution.

That was a century ago. Is the democratization of classical music now fully accepted?

There's a common misconception that classical music is only for a certain type of person, that it's inaccessible. But this isn't true. Tickets to the Palau or the opera are very affordable these days. And, what's more, orchestras have reinvented themselves to make the music more appealing.

How is it done?

Two examples: incorporating film soundtracks and mixing pieces to make them easier to listen to. I've met people who had never been to a classical music concert before and they leave admitting it wasn't what they expected. They had a good time, though.

So, was there an effort by music professionals to bring it closer to the public?

Exactly. And the final touch will be a good music education. I collaborate with schools and educational centers to make music accessible to young people, so they can open their eyes and listen in a fascinating way and come to concerts regularly in the future.

Ten years ago, when he had just arrived in Berlin, he declared it the best moment of his career. He is now the principal conductor of a renowned orchestra. Is he even better now?

I am one of those people who think that, just like in elite sports, in music it is relatively easy to rise to the top, but very difficult to stay there.

But you haven't just maintained your position, you've grown. Doesn't the thought of reaching your peak one day cause you anxiety?

Something that defines me is that I always strive. It's a kind of constant restlessness, a drive for exploration. My motivation is to give my best in every performance, never going on stage overconfident, but without suffering from anxiety.

But I've always thought that not everyone can be a director. An innate talent for leadership is necessary, isn't it?

Every musician needs a certain amount of talent, that's true. But talent alone won't get you anywhere. Perseverance is essential for it to grow and develop. If I didn't have the perseverance that defines me, I don't think I would have made it this far. I'm also fortunate to have special people around me who support me.

What does the conductor need to do to gain the musicians' trust?

First, the conductor must have a clear vision of what they want and, during rehearsals, strive to achieve it. But this must be done through dialogue with the musicians, not by imposing their will. They must conduct with a specific approach, allowing the musicians, in a way, to contribute their ideas. And it's important to understand that the exact piece envisioned in one's mind will never be fully realized.

Because perfection doesn't exist…

Not because of the orchestra's limitations, but because perfection is incompatible with music. Music is spontaneous. The same performance I give at the Palau will be completely different from the one I give the following day in Lleida. And this is precisely what is beautiful about this profession.

Which instrument will you choose?

From my youth, when I was a piano student, I already had the orchestra in my head. I have this ability to always think orchestrally and about different instruments at the same time.

But he'll have a favorite.

The foundation of a good orchestra is the string section. In fact, it's the largest section.