Summer Classics with Maximiliano Martín

The Orchestra are off on tour again later this week, with concerts in Inverness (16 Aug), Perth (17 Aug) and Dumfries (18 Aug). Isabelle van Keulen is Director/Violin, while our own Maximiliano Martín is the soloist in Mozart's Clarinet Concerto. We caught up with Maxi to get his thoughts on the upcoming tour and the piece he's playing...

	Photo © Patrick Allen

We are looking forward to your performance of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto on tour with the Orchestra next week. What do you like most about the piece itself? What can the audience expect/look out for in it?

Every time I play a concerto with the Orchestra I feel very excited and privileged for this special occasion. I never get tired of performing such a masterpiece - one of Mozart's best concertos, in my opinion. This time, because of the fact that we will not have a conductor, I feel that there is more responsibility on my shoulders and on Isabelle's. I’m looking forward especially to the gorgeous second movement and the interactions between myself and the strings.

What are you most looking forward to about the tour? Does touring lend a different element to your performances?

I look forward especially to the concert in the wonderful Perth Concert Hall, such a great acoustic to perform in, and also to working with a fantastic player like Isabelle. Touring is obviously different to performing in the usual season places; sometimes it’s very tiring because of the travelling hours, but nevertheless you have to deliver your best anywhere.

Why is it so special to perform as soloist with the SCO?

I have played many concertos with the SCO and every time has been an absolute joy for me. They are like my family, they know me, I know them, so the chemistry is there. They are so supportive, that makes the occasion a real treat. Looking forward to many more of these in the future.

Do you have any pre-performance rituals? Do they differ on tour versus performing with the Orchestra during the main Season?

I would not say that there are rituals, but without a doubt I always do certain things before playing a concerto, like having a banana, playing long notes before coming into the stage and jumping up and down to get the blood going. I think you should always try to deliver your best wherever you are, so for me there is not much difference between concertos in the season or outside.