Thanks for joining us, Jonathan. Congratulations on your appointment as Music Director at Luzerner Theater. 

Q. Working closely with the drama, dance and opera directors at the Luzerner Theater. How important is it to you for heads of department to work in synergy in a place like this? 

A. Before taking up conducting I was a cellist, and I spent almost all of my teenage years to mid-twenties playing chamber music. Chamber music is first and foremost about listening, and so when it comes to the type of teamwork that you ask about in the theatre, I would say this is the key. We all need to give each other space to express our ideas, and to be heard by one another, whether that be about the most subtle musical or textual detail in a production we are working on together, or ideas about repertoire in two seasons’ time.

Q. You have been and will be leading productions such as Dido and Aeneas and La Bohème. Are you ever nervous when approaching such well-known works? 

A. I’d say I feel a sense of huge responsibility, rather than nerves, but that comes every time I’m on stage. However, when both the audience and the artists you work with come to the room with certain expectations, either from their studies or  from listening to recordings, it can heighten that feeling! 

But then I remember: the score! (Almost) all the answers to questions of interpretations are in the score. Looking at ‘La Bohème’ for instance, we find such clarity, such specificity of ideas from Puccini, who was meticulous in expressing what he wanted us to do. For instance, we can see exactly where he’d like us to take rubato, where the singer should lead the orchestra, and how soft he’d like us to play. Ultimately the biggest responsibility I feel is to the composer. I feel lucky to have an ensemble of singers and an orchestra - the great Lucerne Symphony Orchestra - who are equally as keen to explore the depths of the score and be as true to it as possible. 

Jonathan Bloxham conducts 'I Capuleti e i Montecchi'. Credit: Ingo Hoehn

Q. Aside from your current programme, what are you listening to at the moment?

A. Recently I’ve been listening to the Danish National Symphony Orchestra and Fabio Luisi’s recording of the Nielsen Symphony cycle as I’m conducting Nielsen’s Second Symphony ‘The Four Temperaments’ later in the season. This box set is just fabulous and I have fallen in love with the deeply beautiful sound this orchestra makes and their detailed and organic interpretation with Luisi. 

Q. Are there any works you have always wanted to perform or record, but haven’t yet had the chance to?

A. So many! But one dream opera that I hope comes soon is Peter Grimes…

Q. After stepping off the podium, what do you do to unwind?

A. While I’m home in Lucerne, after a performance I often go to a wonderful little French restaurant called ‘Bodu’. It is one of the few places that serves later in the evening, plus it’s conveniently the way to my apartment and, even better, the menu is full of fabulous French comfort food. Oh, and they have wonderful wines by the glass! 

Q. Do you think it is important to get younger audiences to opera? And what can a musical director do to encourage that?

A. I think openness is key to encouraging all types of audiences to come to opera, from regulars to newcomers, or even those unsure if opera is for them. Be that simple things such as making people feel comfortable in the theatre or small initiatives such as inviting people to observe some of the rehearsal process (a favourite of mine as people get a chance to see how an opera is created on stage!). When it comes to younger audiences specifically I think it is important to present complete operas, not shortened versions. I also think it is important for schools to come together in whole classes. When you visit a performance with your friends it is a special bonding experience and the enthusiasm for opera among young people can more easily become infectious. At least that was my experience..! 

Q. What are the best parts about living in Lucerne compared to London?

A. I wish I could send you a photo of the view from my apartment as an answer to this! London was home for many years - and I love being back there and being enveloped in its energy. But here in Lucerne, I still have to pinch myself every day as to how lucky I am, as I cycle to the rehearsal studios, past the mystical lake, and snow-capped mountains…I remind myself I must never take this for granted! 

La boheme is at Luzerner Theater until 26 May - https://www.luzernertheater.ch/laboheme