By: Hugh Kruzel
Big sounds, crescendos, rich volume, percussion, and the punctuation of violin tracks and solos filled Fraser Auditorium on May 5.
The Sudbury Symphony Orchestra (SSO) selected another crowd pleaser - in content and feature performer Marc Djokic - that delivered both contemporary and classical from first Philip Glass and then Bohemian Antonín Leopold Dvorák.
The bridge between the two is more than a lesson in geography.
Both composers were grounded in the spirit of the past and energy of their present. Of course for Dvorák his impression of North America inspired sweeping movements capturing plains, the wide Mississippi, lush landscapes, and energy of the industrialization of New York, Buffalo and Cincinnati.
Written over the winter and spring of 1893, Dvorák’s triumphal commission by the New York Philharmonic (Symphony No.9, "From the New World”) opened to “tumultuous applause” that echoes right through to 2018 here in Sudbury.
The signature of Philip Glass is all over movie scores and blockbusters though not everyone knows it is his work. Though Djokic was here to interpret Glass’s “American Four Seasons” he generously joined his SSO colleagues in the post-intermission second-half.
Djokic also kindly agreed to be interviewed.
As a quick introduction, who are you and where have you come from?
Marc Djokic. I'm a violinist from the Maritimes - Halifax is where I grew up. I spent my teenage years studying in Cleveland and then Boston for university. In 2007 Montreal became my home.
Why were you selected as the feature performer?
I've worked with Melanie Leonard before, when she was guest conductor for the Calgary Philharmonic, and we share a great “sympatico” collaboration together. Because of my diverse repertoire and “no holds barred” approach to interpreting some contemporary music, she felt that this piece by Glass would suit me perfectly.
Have you aimed to play the American Four Seasons?
I've aspired to play anything by Philip Glass. Playing this was a privilege because I had the support of a great music director along with an entire orchestra. What I love most about the American Four Seasons is the collaborative element between the orchestra and solo violin part. Like Vivaldi's four Seasons, the orchestra part mirrors the violin solo part quite frequently creating a fantastic wave of sound.
Was it a hard piece to learn and play? What do you love about Philip Glass?
I would say it was challenging to learn. There are a lot of intricate harmonic/modal changes stretched over 16th note passages. In other words, it's a brainteaser. The music of Philip Glass is instantly recognizable and his brand of minimalist music is very iconic of that genre. I would say it's the soundtrack of today. He wrote the music for the movie "Koyaanisqatsi" and the horror classic "Candyman", so I love the fact that I have some awesome movie references to his music. Say Candyman 5 times, I dare you!
It is a long piece and you are "on" the majority of the performance. What is the most difficult part of that?
The endurance required to perform it is the most challenging part. Going from a fast section, to slow and lyrical require a sudden change in breathing and heart rate. It's a meditative and physical process. I'm lucky that I can play violin for long periods of time without repetitive strain.
You have been to Sudbury before and made such positive comments about this and previous visits. Can you say more on your experiences here?
Sudbury is interesting in that it has several different 'centres' or hubs as I see them...There's a unique mix of old and new buildings along with a developing arts scene, artsy cafés...it also has some beautiful landscapes of rocky hills and lakes. It will definitely take me a few more visits to discover more of the city.
So we see you again soon. Where are you off to next?
In a couple weeks I'll be in Venice, Italy for the first time! There I'll be performing a solo violin recital that's a mix of classical repertoire alongside a couple of maritime and Scottish fiddle tunes. In June, you'll find me in Louisville, Kentucky with my guitars and violin trio (Trio Tangere). Then I'll be performing in Geneva and Bern, Switzerland, at the end of the month with my group Air, Keys and Strings (theremin, violin and piano!) You can check out one of our recordings here: http://www.marcdjokic.com/air-strings-keys/
SSO Conductor Melanie Leonard was ecstatic with the performance, reception, and success of the evening and looks forward to season 2018-19.
“The music was so exciting, and to have virtuoso Marc Djokic here was spectacular!” Leonard said.
