Choir conductor Igor Larionovas: “The courage of fan choirs to experiment motivates them to improve” | Culture

In each interview with young representatives of the specialty, we explore the charm, challenges, benefits, job opportunities and influence of the profession on society.

The second interview of the cycle is with Igor Larionov, a third-year choral conducting student at LMTA. The creator of the interview series, musicologist Lukrecija Stonkutė, speaks.

– Why did you choose choral conducting studies at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theater?

– Even as a child, I had a special connection with choral music, especially church music, I was constantly surrounded by vocal groups, I sang in a children’s church ensemble. At the age of seven, I entered the Juoz Karos music school in Klaipėda, studying piano in the class of teacher Tatjana Romaškina. I also sang in the music school choir, actively participated in concert activities.

The desire for choral culture grew and I decided to “build” my professional path as a choir conductor. Later, I studied at Klaipėda Stasios Šimkaus Conservatory, where wonderful teachers: Jolanta Vyšniauskienė, Olga Lebedeva and Živilė Čapienė opened the door to the world of choral music, provided motivation and encouraged me to continue my studies at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theater (LMTA).

– What would you single out as the most important achievements of your profession: awards, concerts, competitions, musical tours, performed works?

– The most important part of my profession is the completed works. I try to “identify” with each composition, I try to feel what the composer felt. It is no less important to delve into the stylistics of the work, the subtleties of performance characteristic of the era. Therefore, this side of the profession is the most important achievement for me, because I can convey what is important to me.

Personal archive photo/Choir conductor Igor Larionovas

Of course, concerts are also important. I performed many times with the LMTA chamber choir, participated in the “Online Lab Choir” project. The latter is a project born during the COVID-19 pandemic, where we experimented with the possibilities of singing in a choir and remote conducting.

As another achievement, I would single out the performed works: “Peace I leave with you” by the Norwegian composer Knut Nystedt and “Pulchra es” by the Finnish creator Jaakko Mäntyjärvi.

– Why is the specialty of a choir conductor important today?

– Dedicated to his specialty, the choir conductor creates a functioning and dynamic community, promotes equality between individuals of different ages, nations and abilities. Able to address contemporary social issues through the power of music. Choral ensembles unite people from different stages of life – through music they can experience a sense of unity, support and community.

– What role does a choir conductor play not only in the Lithuanian choir community, but also in the general society? Does the choir conductor influence the formation of the latter?

– The choir conductor undoubtedly has an influence in shaping the attitude of not only Lithuanian, but also foreign society towards our culture. By performing Lithuanian compositions and arrangements of various genres, choirs get to know and reveal the traditions and features of our country.

– Who is your biggest inspiration in the art of choir conducting? Teachers, choirs, or perhaps composers of choral music, their works, etc.?

– The biggest inspiration for me is my major’s teacher, prof. Povilas Gylys. I am grateful to him for his invaluable knowledge during each lecture. The professor is a great authority for me, giving me the strength to continue on the path of choral conducting.

I am also inspired by composers: Johannes Brahms, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Josef Rheinberger and Claude Debussy. Their compositions arouse in me the desire to improve, motivate me to create. I constantly get ideas from professional choirs: Kaunas State Choir, Latvian Radio Choir, Chamber Choir “Aidija” and Choir “Zero8” (Sweden).

Personal archive photo/Choir conductor Igor Larionovas

– The Union of Lithuanian Choirs included you in the motivational program for students majoring in choir conducting, giving you the opportunity to improve your skills as a choir master, gain knowledge and practice working with the Vilnius Academy of Arts Chamber Choir. Share your impressions, joys, challenges while preparing an amateur team.

– I am happy to practice in the chamber choir of the Vilnius Academy of Arts (conducted by Arvydas Adamonis and Asta Rauduvaitė). In the choir, I am surrounded by positive, disciplined, motivated people who want to improve in the field of choral music. The aforementioned choir leaders provide me with invaluable knowledge – how to successfully develop a team, how to maintain a positive atmosphere during rehearsals, while maintaining a demanding attitude.

Well, the biggest challenge when working with an amateur choir is to choose the right concepts for describing the details of the work, conveying the essence of the work.

– A frequent LMTA choir conducting student dreams of immediately taking the position of conductors and choirmasters of major Lithuanian professional choirs. However, the reality is somewhat different – you encounter and work with amateur choirs. Does it involve sadness or joy? Why?

– My attitude towards working with amateur choirs is positive, because I experience many gratifying factors. I get to know representatives of other professions, their approach to music. I also often notice that amateur choirs are not afraid to experiment, which motivates me to improve as well. I create and apply more interesting singing exercises that would improve the musical phrasing and intonation of choristers. I think that the choristers react to me in a friendly way – I feel the support and fellowship of the team.

– Your hometown is Klaipėda. What are the initiatives of the amateur choirs there? Perhaps you yourself contribute or intend to contribute to their activities?

– This city will always remain a part of my heart, because I spent the most important moments that shape my personality here. In Klaipėda, I have established a great connection with the amateur, youth vocal ensemble “Vowel”, whose leader I have known Aleksandras Charina-Vasiljeva since childhood. I have been joining the concerts organized by the ensemble for four years now. The ensemble is unique in that it is constantly looking for new ideas and changes the composition and program of the ensemble.

– What would it take for young people to choose choral conducting more confidently? How would you inspire them yourself?

– The inspiration when choosing the specialty of choir conductor must come from the person himself – to have motivation, determination to create, the desire to express oneself, to feel love and passion for music. If you already have a passion for music, then we can inspire you to choose choral conducting by revealing the intricacies of this profession.

– Why should you be a choir conductor?

– Conducting a choir is a sphere where you can learn and improve yourself tirelessly. Being a part of it, you not only have the opportunity to be a part of the wide musical world, but also to live every day among motivated, passionate people.

– ​​​​​​​Do you dream of being a choir conductor or choir master? Why?

– I dream of being a choir conductor and having my own choir/ensemble. Why? The essential responsibility of this job is to bring people together in a community with a shared love of music. I realized this as a choirmaster, looking at rehearsals from the perspective of a listener, a chorister as well as a conductor, which enriched my professional competences.

– Describe a choir conductor in one sentence.

– Choir conductor – a choir guide who purposefully leads the members of the collective into the vastness of music.

– What is your life outside of the music world?

– One of my favorite ways to spend my free time is being in nature. From long walks by the sea to cycling along winding forest paths. It helps me to detach myself from the daily routine, organize my thoughts and ideas, and prepare for the next day’s challenges. I also like to visit museums and exhibitions.