Vasily Petrenko, Conductor Laureate of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, has described the "special connection" he felt when he joined the orchestra nearly 20 years ago, a bond that has driven his mission to bring classical music to the masses in Liverpool.
Making classical music accessible to all
Petrenko, who first joined the Liverpool Philharmonic in 2006 as a little-known conductor, quickly rose to become the youngest Principal Conductor in the orchestra's history. His contract was renewed, he became Chief Conductor, and in 2021 he was appointed Conductor Laureate. Reflecting on his tenure, he told the ECHO: "For me it's important that I'm a member of the community individually and as part of the orchestra. It's not that you separate yourself and say just come to us. We are there for people, for every citizen, and we are there to make their lives better."
Petrenko emphasized the unique nature of classical concerts: "The classical concert is an absolute phenomenon. Nothing of such exists elsewhere in the world because people of all different classes, all different parts of society can come and sit together. Sometimes you sit complete strangers next to each other, and they're from very different backgrounds. It doesn't matter what gender, or religion, or wealth, or anything you have, you will share the same emotions."
Engaging young audiences
While much of his audience tends to be older, Petrenko has been eager to reach younger listeners. He initiated a program that allowed every school child in the UK to attend at least one classical concert for free. "There were millions of school children who were coming to the concerts for free, including in Liverpool and also countrywide," he said. He cited scientific evidence that classical music improves focus, concentration, discipline, and exam results, broadening children's horizons.
He added: "The most important thing is that there are more and more people coming to the Philharmonic Hall and discovering classical music and sticking with it. Not just appreciating it, but also becoming very loyal supporters."
A home away from home
Despite spending much of his recent time abroad, Petrenko feels a strong connection to Liverpool. "There's a lot of nostalgia of course when I come back to Liverpool, it feels like I'm coming back home," he said. "It's still a very warm and very good feeling to come back for the orchestra. The vast majority of the musicians were on this journey with me over the last 15 years before 2021, so it's always a pleasure to come back. And I can't forget the public, I think my biggest achievement in Liverpool has been increasing the number of people who come to watch the orchestra."
Having grown up in Russia and now living in London, Petrenko says Liverpool firmly feels like his home. "There are so many friends here, there are so many memorable things that have happened there, and so many great concerts we've done together. So, it's almost like you're coming from home to another home."
Parallels with football management
Since joining the Liverpool Philharmonic in 2006, Petrenko has become a passionate Liverpool FC fan and has worked with several Liverpool managers. "We have had a connection with various Liverpool managers. Rafa Benitez, I think he visited an orchestra concert for the first time when he came to one of my concerts," he said. He drew comparisons between the roles of a football manager and a conductor: "Even the best players, if they're not glued together by the manager, if they've not worked out in tactics together, they won't play very well. This is the job of the football manager and of the conductor, how to best use the skills and enhance them."
Petrenko is set to return to the Liverpool Philharmonic on 9 July for the White Nights concert.
