Steven Sloane in an interview

"We are not afraid."

The German-American conductor Steven Sloane has been the conductor of the Bochum Symphony Orchestra for 21 years. As General Music Director of the city of Bochum, he was instrumental in the realization of the new Anneliese Brost Music Forum Ruhr. He also holds a professorship in conducting and is the director of the symphony orchestra at the Berlin University of the Arts.

Classicpoint.ch: You are the General Music Director of the city of Bochum and conduct the Bochum Symphony Orchestra. What distinguishes this orchestra?
The orchestra has a very high standard for emotional expression. It possesses a very broad repertoire, which is used flexibly. In addition to the standard repertoire, the orchestra also enjoys playing works from the early Classical period, modern music, jazz, popular music, etc.

Orchestras you have conducted have received numerous awards for their programming. What do you look for in programming?
Primarily, we aren't afraid! We want to think creatively, discover new formats, work extensively on a project basis, and also enjoy developing concepts with a dramaturgical or political dimension.

You are also a professor of conducting and director of the symphony orchestra at the Berlin University of the Arts. What does it take to become a conductor?
Above all, a conductor must have something musically meaningful to say. At the Academy, we support conductors in realizing their visions. Regular work with a professional ensemble is crucial for conductors. We are very pleased that we can offer this on a weekly basis.

Education and the promotion of young talent are particularly close to your heart. Besides your professorship, you also regularly conduct youth orchestras. What do you learn yourself in the process?
Yes, that's very important to me. I travel a lot, all over the world; I was just in Sweden, America, and Israel. I really enjoy working with young orchestras. Their curiosity, joy, dynamism, and enthusiasm are contagious. I learn an incredible amount, perhaps even more than the young orchestral musicians. I constantly have to articulate my ideas anew with pedagogical clarity.

You were heavily involved in the construction of the Musikforum Ruhr. Now, an abandoned church has been converted into a foyer, and two concert halls have been added. Can you tell us a little about it?
It's a project that has taken 17 years. For me, after 21 years in Bochum, it's a new beginning when we inaugurate the Anneliese Brost Musikforum Ruhr with the opening concert on October 28, 2016. Primarily, it's a home for this fantastic orchestra. At the first rehearsal, we all had tears in our eyes and goosebumps. Despite the angular shape, the architect has managed to create a cozy, living-room atmosphere with its many curves. The acoustics are fantastic, and the concept of the orchestra in the center, surrounded by the audience, is very exciting.

Is there also a room for childcare during concerts?
Yes, there's a large, multifunctional space that can be used for many things. The room can be darkened and is multifunctional. It can be used for theater, music school, education, childcare, etc.

You want to take classical music out of the elitist corner and open the music center to everyone. What are your plans for this?
It should be a house for everyone. We have a large education program with the goal of actively involving young people instead of just having them as listeners. They should be on stage. In addition, we have collaborations with many institutions from the Ruhr area. Everyone should be able to use the music center. Openness to all forms of music and new forms is also important. We want to be very flexible and constantly reinvent ourselves.

You were also a rock musician in college. Are you still active in pop and jazz?
Yes, I played guitar and was the singer in a rock band. For my 20th anniversary in Bochum, I sang a pop song with the orchestra in a concert. That was fun.

What other passions do you have? I read that you're a passionate basketball player and play on a team in Berlin?
Yes, I play on a team in both Bochum and Berlin. Besides basketball, I also love many other sports. For example, I was at a tennis camp last summer. I'm also a passionate baseball fan. On my last vacation, I cheered on my team at four games live in Los Angeles.

Interview by Florian Schär | Classicpoint.ch | October 3, 2016
© Photo: John F. Martin