Constantine Orbelian

One of the most renowned conductors of his generation, Constantine Orbelian was a piano prodigy who made his debut at age 11 with the San Francisco Symphony. Born in San Francisco to Ukrainian and Armenian immigrants, he graduated from Juilliard and then embarked on a career that has included leading the Moscow Chamber Orchestra and New York City Opera, accompanying some of the world’s finest opera singers, dozens of recordings, and four Grammy Award nominations. At this year’s Festival, he will bring his artistry to Tchaikovsky in America, a program for which he has a unique affinity, and Voice and the Violin, with Joshua Bell and Larisa Martínez.

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You were a piano prodigy and had an international career as a concert pianist. When did you decide to become a conductor, and why?

As with most things in life — it happened by accident. I was always interested in conducting, and I studied it during my Juilliard years. So, mentally I was prepared. I played a concert with the USSR State Chamber Orchestra on my second tour there in 1990. Then early in 1991, the conductor and music director of the orchestra, Andrei Korsakov, died of a heart attack. I was appointed music director. The rest is history.

At Festival Napa Valley this July you’re conducting Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto and the Piano Concerto No. 1. What makes these two pieces so spectacular?

Tchaikovsky is probably the most beloved composer of all time. If you take into account the amazing nobility of the opening of the 1st Piano Concerto and the gorgeous melodies and tremendous energetic finale... who could resist falling in love with it? The violin concerto is a true tour de force for any violinist. The innovative way Tchaikovsky begins the work and continues developing the various themes are beyond masterful. The riveting finale raises the audience out of their seats.

Given your background as a pianist, do you have a special affinity for conducting works like Tchaikovsky’s piano concerto?

Yes. I’ve played it many times with various orchestras around the world. I made a recording of the piece with the Philharmonia Orchestra of London and conductor Neeme Järvi. When you have a personal relationship with such an important work, you can’t help falling in love with every note.

Your mastery spans so many genres. You’ve been called “the singer’s dream collaborator,” and you’ve worked with some of the world’s great vocalists — Renée Fleming, Sondra Radvanovsky, the late Dmitri Hvorostovsky — you’ve conducted symphony orchestras and operas, and you even produced a ballet set to the songs of Charles Aznavour. What is the common thread that links all your artistic pursuits?

It’s all very simple; I love what I do. All genres and all types of music. We musicians are so lucky to have such a tremendous library of works to choose from. Also, one of the wonderful things about being a performing artist is the fact that there is always another work to learn — always something to look forward to.

What is your advice to get young people excited about classical music?

First of all, they need to be exposed to it. Once they are exposed to wonderful performances and excellent musicians, I’m convinced that they will be compelled to “join the musical family” of people who love classical music.

Favorite food: I was very lucky to grow up with a Ukrainian mother and Armenian father. I grew up with the most amazing chicken Kiev and Armenian dolma. Now that I think about it, my mother’s beef stroganoff was amazing as well.

Favorite wine: I have a special fondness for Sauvignon Blanc, and I do love a wonderful Pinot Noir.

Favorite place you’ve traveled: There are so many! I love that I was born and raised in San Francisco. I have a gorgeous home in Sonoma. No place is better than California.

Dream destination:  Besides New York, I love Italy and Positano, in particular.

Wish for the future: Good health, happiness to everyone.