Pianist Jan Lisiecki joins Urbański to perform Grieg’s Piano Concerto, an all-time favorite among classical music fans. And as is now tradition, the festival starts with PMF-founder Leonard Bernstein’s signature work, the overture to Candide!

Of the coda, Phillips writes, “…the themes of first movement and Finale to combine in symbolic demonstration of the unity underlying the whole work, culminating in a terrifyingly dissonant passage before the final cadence into the ‘Glory’ of D major: Salvation achieved.” At PMF, this massive work represents a rare opportunity for the Academy and audiences alike, and Dausgaard’s innovative approach to the work is sure to be unforgettable.

“In summertime Sapporo, where a refreshing breeze blows, the city is filled with the vibrantly colorful music of PMF. We at Harmony have been closely supporting the young artists who come together here every year. After being selected via competitive auditions, they are given world-class guidance within a tight schedule, consistently showing remarkable growth, and making incredible music. Due to the pandemic, the light of PMF nearly went out in 2020, but in 2021 Bernstein’s “Candide Overture” resounded in Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara, and in 2022 wonderful artists from around the world came together − Sapporo was once again filled with the music of PMF. We were reminded of just how important, how precious PMF is to all of us, and that now more than ever, it is the pride and joy of this city. We hope to continue providing our services and contributing to the development of PMF, in cooperation with the PMF Organizing Committee, to enable us all to create a beautiful harmony.

For this issue we spoke with Fernando, who will perform at PMF 2023 as a member of the Pacific Quintet, an all-alumni wind quintet.

What made you want to apply for PMF?

First of all, I heard about it from my classmates, in the class of Nick Deutsch. Some of them went to PMF before me. Then I started to investigate about the festival, and I saw that there were very good coachings, and besides that I had dreamed of going to Japan since I was a child. I saw it as an opportunity to get good experience with amazing teachers, and to see the country. And to make some friends, which I did! For me it was like a dream to go to PMF ever since I learned of it.

Is there any difference between the way you thought of PMF before you participated and how you think of it now?

I thought of it as so high level, and then I saw that it really was so. So how I think of it in that way didn’t change. Of course my love for the festival increased. Everyone who goes there falls in love with the atmosphere. I remember the first time I went I was crying as I checked in for the return flight, because of the friends I made, and the experience, the very “global” experience. My expectations were high, but the experience was even higher.

Over time you see how the festival develops. For example with the quintet we are now kind of a family, you know? This contact we made, it was only one month, but it stays, maybe forever. Maybe it’s a life-changing experience.

What do you hope the next generation of young musicians will take away from their time at PMF?

I hope they take what they can. They have the best opportunities to be with top coaches from the Vienna Philharmonic, the top orchestras of the USA, the Berlin Philharmonic, and I hope they take all the advice they can, all the knowledge they can, from the experience they have. I think this is very important. And because in this festival people are from all over the world, a lot of different cultures and backgrounds, the most important thing is to make sure that we can, through the music, communicate with each other, that we have contact with each other. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, the music connects us and we keep this feeling that we are all human beings, that we can actually be united by the music. I think this is the power of music.

PMF in their own words

Tamás Velenczei (trumpet, Berlin Philharmonic) is among the longest-serving PMF faculty members, known for his absolute professionalism and generosity.
We asked him for his thoughts on the importance of PMF.

What makes PMF unique?

Conducting and soloist personalities who evoke, carry, and transmit the spirit of Leonard Bernstein.

Alongside them, the presence and guidance of colleagues from the Vienna Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, and outstanding American orchestras as faculty. Many of these colleagues have worked for many years under the direction of Leonard Bernstein. (As a student at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, I had the opportunity to experience the Maestro in person when he visited Budapest in 1983.)

What do you hope Academy members experience at PMF?

I believe that those who are accepted to PMF are committed to the profession.

I hope that they experience this dedication, in addition to humility and perseverance in the profession, from their PMF professors.

Do you think musicians’ roles in society have changed in recent years?

Yes, it has changed. With the rapid rise of social media, there are new ways for musicians to share their art and experiences through these channels. The so called “Generation Z” wants to get information and experience quickly in today’s world and we musicians need to be present in this society. Some people don’t go to concert halls but they still want to participate in a concert experience.

We have the streaming facilities to provide them with any kind of concert experience.

How do you imagine the future of PMF − for example in 10 years?

Talent has been there, will be there, and I am sure that PMF will still be outstanding in 10 years time. Everyone contributes to this work, not only the professors. Here let me highlight the “invisible” people, the staff, who with their fantastic skills and dedication have helped make PMF a renowned and highly regarded summer festival for over 30 years. To keep it that way, this whole apparatus will need sponsors, who I hope will be aware that their support is part of a global culture, and that millions of people will be able to enjoy an outstanding musical experience.