Renowned Czech Conductor Shares Insights with US Band Students

Last Friday, Jan Pellant, conductor of the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, joined the US Band Class at the invitation of US Music Teacher Jeremy Chapman. Mr. Pellant introduced the class to the life and work of the 19th-century Austrian composer Anton Bruckner, highlighting the composer's unique character and landmark Symphony No. 7.

 

Students listened intently as Mr. Pellant played short excerpts from the symphony, encouraging them to share their thoughts on the emotions Bruckner sought to convey and the conductor's role in bringing the music to life. Both Mr. Pellant and Mr. Chapman provided valuable insights into the structure of symphonies, the role of each orchestral section, and the distinctive features of Bruckner's transformative work.

“It was interesting to learn that the conductor’s role isn’t just about keeping tempo, but also about bringing the music to life through their facial expressions and body language.”

Bruno and Laurie, Grade 9 students

Following a Q&A session, US band students were invited to attend a rare performance of Bruckner's Symphony No. 7 by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Mr. Pellant himself. The concert will take place on Wednesday, 13 November 2024, at the Municipal House in Prague.

“Now that we know more about the history behind the music, I’m really looking forward to the live performance. It’ll be exciting to hear it for ourselves, and we can relate our own playing to the musicians’ performance.”

Robby, a Grade 9 student