Interview: United Nations Orchestra

Antoine Marguier, United Nations Orchestra conductor, talks Mother Teresa, humanitarianism, sacrilegious Elgar & more with Joe Fuller, ahead of their UK debut at Brighton Dome Concert Hall

I have read that you created the United Nations Orchestra with Martine Coppens in 2011, could you tell us more about the project please?
I had this idea following a series of encounters I made over the years. It so happened that when I was a young clarinet player I had an opportunity to travel to India with the Orchestre français des Jeunes and to meet Mother Teresa in person. This meeting made a deep impression on me, and I thought that if I could do good with music, I should. So far, in 6 years, the UN Orchestra raised 200.000 Euros for charity (without financial support at all).

Then, living in Geneva for over twenty years, I got to know several very talented musicians who engaged in high-level studies in music but opted for other professions – often within the International Geneva – later in life.

These musicians, members of UN agencies staffs, as well as NGO’s, CERN, Embassies (International Geneva is a real city in the city) are extraordinarily motivated. It was really interesting to get them to join the orchestra. You know, an amateur orchestra is not a low-grade orchestra: it is simply composed of people who love playing. Amateur musicians may be playing in public five times or so in a year but when they do, they give the very best of themselves.
I also wanted to offer the UN a high quality cultural window and promote the UN peace, humanity, mindkind values, become messengers of peace through “Music for Peace” concerts (last October a 5 concerts tour in the largest cities of South Korea, including one on the DMZ).

We promote young soloists who deserve international visibility and need the help they don’t have, beside top world artists we already could play with such Maxim Vengerov and Khatia Buniatishvili who were delighted by our collaborations. Amazing for a non-professional and our musicians.

Amateur musicians give the very best of themselves

Do you think that the humanitarian aspect of your concerts helps them appeal to a wider audience than traditional concerts?
Absolutely! I think people are concerned by what we do concerning charity causes. They come to listen to us and help. The reason why, also, they accept to pay more money for a ticket.

The University of Sussex has a picturesque campus and I see that the UNO members will be staying there. Do you utilise different forms of accommodation to save costs or are there other reasons for spurning more traditional accommodation? 
Of course, the costs are very important, since we, so far, receive no financial support yet. But, to me, it’s very important that my Orchestra stays together in this kind of trip. This is always a perfect opportunity for people to meet, create links, get to know each other, get friends, make a “family”, then have even more pleasure playing together, which of course provide more positive vibrations and a better sound. No Orchestra [is] better to conduct than a happy one.

How were the six University of Sussex musicians selected to perform with the orchestra?
Mr. John Shaw was in charge of it. I asked for experienced people, able to perform with only one dress rehearsal before the concert, which will be the case.

What can you tell us about the works you’ll be performing?
It’s like two concerts in one. 1st: Mozart, then 2nd: English music, a total other world, then other atmosphere. This programme has mostly been suggested by John Shaw.

Are any of the works particularly meaningful to you?
Well, conducting Elgar Pomp and Circumstance in England, for a non-British conductor could seem as a sacrilege, but I will do my best.

Is there anything else you’d like to mention to our readers regarding the concert?
Why don’t you come and listen to us? This will be the opportunity to help poor children in this world who really need help. There are still SO many…

Freddy Kempf (piano) with the United Nations Orchestra
Sat 1 Jul, 7.30pm (doors 6.45pm)
Brighton Dome Concert Hall
£11-£33.50, Under 18s half price
www.brightondome.org
01273 709709