Olli Mustonen is music’s ultimate triple threat – a virtuosic pianist, an extraordinary conductor, and an outstanding composer. He speaks about his start playing the harpsichord from the age of 5 in his native Finland, as well as sharing a story that a misprint in a program led him to having to rearrange one of his chamber works for full orchestra, and how he prefers the simple word “musician” to cover his many talents.
This conversation is from 2016 when he was visiting Australia to guest direct the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
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Gabriel Fauré: The French Schumann
November 2024 marked the centenary of the death of the French composer, Gabriel Fauré. The man was something of an enigma, largely regarded as easy-going and friendly, but essentially a recluse. He preferred his own company, despite a broken engagement, a marriage and several children.