Yannick Nézet-Séguin Talks to Matt O'Donnell Ahead of Special Frontline Workers Performance

The music director and conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra since 2012 has been starved of performing live music since the shutdowns began in March of 2020. And he knows classical music lovers are starved for its return. Yannick Nézet-Séguin sat down with Matt O'Donnell at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts ahead of the special "Hail to the Heroes" performance, the Orchestra's first before a live audience in 14 months. "Hail to the Heroes" airs on 6abc Saturday, July 3 at 7pm. Matt also talked shop and received some tips on the timpanis with famous Philadelphia Orchestra percussionist Don Liuzzi and heard about his thoughts on the return to the real stage. Recorded at Mann Center for Performing Arts, May 2021 and at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, June 2021 In this podcast: 1:50 How Yannick has maintained his energy and positivity throughout the pandemic 2:49 The importance of putting his isolation second in his role as music director 4:20 How the special Orchestra performance is very much like a feast, and a move from "takeout" to real dining (plus dessert) 5:30 Yannick's message to the frontline workers, many of whom would be in attendance at the concert 6:38 Choosing the music in the program, from Beethoven to the "Rocky" Theme, a song he always dreamed of performing in Philadelphia 8:15 How COVID-19 has touched him in Philadelphia and New York, where he is also music director of the Metropolitan Opera 10:50 How the Philadelphia Orchestra used the time off during the pandemic to consider changes, including perhaps new uniforms and an expansion of the music selections 14:07 Yannick discusses his famously animated performance style and what he is thinking at the conductor's stage 16:16 Philadelphia Orchestra timpani player and percussionist Don Liuzzi riffs on the famous "Thus Spoke Tharathustra" piece from "2001: A Space Odyssey" 17:00 Matt gives the timpanis a try 17:33 Don explains how his love of the Beatles led to his career in percussion 18:10 The Great Finale!