AYO Blog

By Elena Wittkuhn

Natalia Luis-Bassa is so much more than a conductor. Changemaker, oboist, lecturer, and maybe even dancer, are just a few of the other skills that make the Venezuelan AYO guest artist the full musician that she is. Getting to know Natalia over the two weeks at National Music Camp has been a total treat – she’s passionate, generous, and wickedly funny. In our interview, we discussed her experience of camp, as well as the importance of carving opportunities for oneself and embracing one’s humanness. With plenty of laughs and even some music recommendations to take home with me, I came away feeling totally uplifted about the power of music – and the power of the people that bring it to life.

Luis-Bassa’s musical approach is full of energy, showing a steadfast commitment to music, and an equal commitment to being human.“At the end of the day”, she explained, “it’s all about education – education through making music and having fun”.

Her conductorship – and choreography – of Marquez’s Danzón No. 2 a few nights earlier could be no better beacon of this philosophy. In concert, this saw the Alexander Orchestra dance on stage whilst playing, in collaboratively choreographed verve, matching the Danzón‘s insatiable energy, and spreading joy throughout the hall.

It’s a breath of fresh air in the classical music industry, where even youth orchestras often can get bogged down by the trapsof perfectionism and over-seriousness. Such a framework is also unwelcome ground for our so-called mistakes – according to Natalia, one of the most key ingredients to success. “To me, mistakes are cool […] Without them, [things] would be very boring”.

I was lucky enough to have lunch with Natalia earlier in the camp – no recordings or devices, just a friendly get-to-know. She told me all about her beginnings in music as an oboist, as well as her days learning the recorder, cor anglais, viola and piano. Before all of these, though, she had always wanted to conduct. However, it wasn’t until studies at the University Institute of Musical Studies in Venezuela, that she had a chance to study conducting formally – and even then, not until she lobbied with five other performance students to have the course established in the first place.Being the sole survivor of the program in its pilot year, in 1994, Natalia Luis-Bassa became the very first person in Venezuela to graduate with a degree in orchestral conducting.

Natalia was also the first woman to receive a permanent position teaching at the Royal College of Music, London – her post-graduate alma mater.

Such barrier-breaking achievements are testament to the conductor’s determination, and exemplify the very message that she hopes to impart to young musicians.

“Do not give up”, Natalia insists. “Be patient, be tolerant, […] stand up, and try again.”

You can listen to my full interview with Natalia Luis-Bassa on the AYO website and podcast.

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