Maestro Netopil on "Salome"

by Neil Kimel

Recently, after another thrilling performance of Richard Strauss’ Salome, the newsletter team sat down with our tireless guest conductor Tomáš Netopil, and got to know him more personally.

Newsletter: You began your musical studies as a violinist. Was there something in particular that made you fall in love with music and conducting?

Netopil: My father was a guitarist in a band where he played the blues and he also played the violin. He wanted me to play the violin as a young man, so eventually, at the age of 14, I specialized in violin and studied in the Czech Republic and at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. In 2003-4, I studied at the Aspen Music School, both violin with Paul Kantor and conducting with David Zinman. I still love playing Baroque violin as a hobby. I have also started the International Summer Music Academy in my hometown of Kroměříž in the Czech Republic for talented young musicians. Interestingly, much of the Miloš Forman film Amadeus was shot in the same town. I also hold the position of Chief Conductor of the Prague Symphony Orchestra.

Newsletter: What is the most challenging aspect of conducting a complicated opera like Salome?

Netopil: The most difficult task is balancing the dynamics. In the score, he is just lying! With such a big orchestra, you need to lower the dynamics to make sure everything is heard. I have learned this as this is the third time I have conducted it. My first was in Dresden, then Essen and now Chicago.

Newsletter: As this is your first time in Chicago, what do you think of our city?

Netopil: I love the views of the city and lake from my apartment and I have been to the top of the John Hancock three times! I was very impressed with the Art Institute and I love walking around the city. I even walked 6 miles to go hear a concert at The Check Out in Lakeview and I saw a performance of Phantom of the Opera at the Cadillac Theater. I love the sound and beauty of the Civic Opera House as well.

Newsletter: When you are not studying scores or conducting, what would we find you doing?

Netopil: I enjoy running, sailing, doing yoga in my hotel room when I travel, and I have been a pilot for 15 years. I also like wine and reading quite a bit.

Newsletter: If John Mangum said, “Come back and conduct anything you’d like,” what would you choose?

 Netopil:The Greek Passion by Czech composer Bohuslav Martinů, which has a theme of refugees. Maybe Der Rosenkavalier orThe Makropolis Affair by Leoš Janáček. Janáček’s operas have themes that are real.