As the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) prepares for a monumental performance under Luke Jerram’s Mars in honour of Gustav Holst's 150th birthday on Thursday 24th October, we spoke with Jesper Svedberg, the BSO’s Principal Cellist, about his role in the concert and Holst’s music.
Read below to find out more.
Q: Tell us about yourself, your past experience and how long you've been with the BSO?
A: I grew up in Sweden and came to the UK for my postgraduate in music studies. I lived in London for many years. I’ve been playing in the BSO for 13 years and I moved down to Bournemouth with my family 8 years ago. That was the best thing I’ve done. We love the south coast!
Q: How does it feel to be performing The Planets in the very place where Holst is interred, especially during the 150th anniversary of his birth?
A: It’s such exciting music to perform, and I think the Cathedral’s massive acoustic will add to the drama, creating that vast feel of space, which, of course, The Planets are all about. Performing in Chichester Cathedral, where Holst rests, makes this concert all the more meaningful.
Q: The BSO has its own historical connection with Holst. Can you tell us about it?
A: Yes, Holst had a longstanding connection with the BSO. The first performance of his Cotswold Symphony was with the BSO in 1902, and it was also the first time a professional performance of one of his works was heard. Holst had a close friendship with our founder, Sir Dan Godfrey. On one occasion, Holst travelled 110 miles from London by bicycle, dismounting outside Dan Godfrey’s house before dawn!
Q: How do you think Luke Jerram’s Mars installation will impact the audience's experience of BSO's performance of Mars, Bringer of War?
A: Music has an incredible power to enhance and create drama for visual works, and I think this pairing will make for an unforgettable experience.
Q: As a performer, will the visual presence of Mars influence the BSO's interpretation or delivery of the music?
A: It’s difficult to say how much it will influence our interpretation, but we may be inspired to take further leaps into the unknown! I expect the whole atmosphere will feel immersive.
Q: Can you share the other Holst pieces the BSO will perform at this special 150-year anniversary concert?
A: I will be performing Invocation for cello and orchestra. It’s a beautifully expressive piece, mystical and contemplative, with an exotic yet distinctly English quality. We’ll also perform The Cotswolds Symphony, which Holst wrote as a tribute to his hero, William Morris. It’s a work filled with pastoral joy and romanticism, evoking Morris’ vision of the English countryside as a kind of Heaven on Earth. Of course, Mars, the Bringer of War will also be a highlight, especially under Luke Jerram’s Mars installation. We are also performing The Planets in Poole, Bristol and Portsmouth in celebration of Holst’s 150th Anniversary.
A: As Principal Cello, what is your personal favourite movement from The Planets, and why?
A: I do think Neptune is amazing. It’s so atmospheric, and Holst really captures something otherworldly. The music takes your imagination to places very far away, and that’s something quite special.
We would like to thank Jesper and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra for helping us to celebrate Holst’s life, music and remarkable legacy in his last resting place here at Chichester Cathedral.
To learn more about Holst’s connection to Chichester read our guest blog by the Chairman of the Holst Society, Chris Cope.
Luke Jerram’s Mars will be on display at the Cathedral from Saturday 19th October – Sunday 10th November. Find out more here>>