Welcoming Michael Coleby

Our February course on Bartók’s The Wooden Prince Suite will be our first collaboration with Michael Coleby who is a London-based conductor with a particular focus on contemporary music. We managed to grab him for a mini interview to get to know him better.

We’re looking forward to seeing you in London this Sunday. What have you been doing lately, musically and otherwise?

I’ve actually just returned form a short holiday in Vancouver. Alongside this project I am conducting Kensington Chamber Orchestra in a programme of Schumann Cello Concerto and Mendelssohn Symphony No. 5 (Reformation).

Three best things about The Wooden Prince Suite?

Three that come to mind:

• The constant tempo changes offer a healthy challenge.
• The folk melodies and rhythms.
• The size of the orchestra, it’s massive!

Any less-expected must-have objects on your stand when you’re rehearsing? 

Just a pencil for me.

New Year’s resolutions still kept?

More cello practice, it is a work in progress.