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 Julien Benichou
Making a Name
in New Music
In the four decades of his life, Julien Benichou has already assembled
a long musical career, with over twenty years of diversified
professional
experience. Today, he may be one of the most watched young conductors
in the mid-Atlantic region. At 19 he directed his first
choral ensemble,
and at 22 his first orchestra. He studied in some of the most prestigious conservatories and schools of music in two
continents. His conducting
experience covered many periods of the repertoire, from the Middle-Ages
to the Romantics,
from symphony concerts to opera, ballet and new music.
He is now in his sixth year as Music Director of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. Under his baton, the MSO has consistently reached new levels, expanding
orchestra, repertoire and audiences, in spite of a very challenging economic situation. A stellar performance, a growing reputation for excellence
and great
dedication to community cultural life continue to be the hallmarks
of this flourishing symphony orchestra.
Julien Benichou is also Music Director of the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra and Principal Guest Conductor of the New Music Ensemble at Towson University.
These positions, along with others, illustrate
Benichou’s devotion to working with students and embracing contemporary classical music. His resume can
be
viewed in the MSO Program Books and the "Conductors" page on this website.
His special interest in new music has led to various commissions and engagements. A most notable event was held in Baltimore January 12, 2011 by the young group
Mobtown Modern, in partnership with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, for a collaborative presentation of “Glassworks”, a composition by Philip Glass.
Brian
Sacawa, outstanding saxophonist, is curator of Mobtown Modern.
Julien Benichou’s reputation for versatility and experience in new music led to his
selection to conduct
this very successful sold-out performance. Marin Alsop, Music Director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, ushered in this pioneering
venture in synchronicity by a fascinating conversation with Brian Sacawa, evolving
into a lively discussion of new music and minimalist music with a very engaged
audience.
A Pre-Concert Conversation:
BSO Music Director Marin Alsop
& Mobtown Modern Curator,
Soprano Sax Brian Sacawa
Discuss Synchronicity and
New Music by
Minimalist
Composer Philip Glass
Synchronicity, a trailblazing collaboration
In New Music Performance
"Glassworks", by Philip Glass
A Mobtown Modern/BSO performance
Conducted by Julien Benichou
In Baltimore, Maryland
January 12, 2011
Synchronicity, an MM/BSO collaborative venture in new music, was a huge success. It was a sold-out, standing-room-only performance.
To many enthusiastic listeners, it was a privilege to
be there, even if sitting on the floor was the only option at the Windup
Space. This place is a welcoming hall for new initiatives, presentations and experimentation in classical new music. As BSO
Conductor Marin Alsop so aptly reminds us, at some point in history, all music was “new” music.
The Windup Space is somewhat reminiscent of the literary salons of yesteryear, only much more vibrant.
It is a meeting place where very enthusiastic participants and audiences congregate to hear, discuss, explore and experience classical new music in
many forms, blending art and technology.
Synchronicity, with Julien Benichou conducting, marked an event where the young and the old mingled to share the emotional fulfillment of an
incredible experience. This first-ever MM/BSO partnership will no doubt be followed by other such performances. One can only imagine where
this could
lead…
Excerpt from Samantha Buker’s Review
The Mobtown Modern/BSO performance,
Conducted by Julien Benichou
Baltimore, MD, January 12, 2011
"Synchronicity enjoyed a sold-out, standing-room-only debut last week.
The new partnership marks a new
musical cooperation between the
young Mobtown Modern and the
solid symphonic sound that is the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
Orchestras across the nation scramble
to cater to listeners under 30, wherever they can be found. Mobtown Modern curator Brian Sacawa and
BSO
Vice President of Marketing and Communications Eileen Andrews Jackson are making it happen.
If that means taking BSO performers
out
of the concert hall and into the Windup Space’s well-tended bar on
North Ave., so be it.
The Jan. 12 Mobtown/BSO collaborative performance of Glassworks by Philip Glass marked the first in what ought to prove a series of great
successes. Recorded in 1982, Glassworks‘ six movements are old by contemporary standards, but its minimalism maintains its freshness.
This performance’s intimate orchestra of 11, conducted by Julien Benichou, started off building up sounds in layers, but the grandness of
the work didn’t become apparent until the group started the fourth movement, “Rubric.” Sacawa’s outstanding soprano sax added a warm human
element that rose above the relentless din of Glass’ pulses and hissing speaker static, offering a sweet continuity from “Rubric” into
“Facades”, the most compelling moments of the night."
BSO Music Director
Marin Alsop,
Discussing "Glassworks" with the audience
Photos courtesy of Mobtown Modern
Robert McIver, Photographer
Mobtown Modern Curator
Brian Sacawa, on Soprano Sax
Philip Glass, Minimalist Composer
To access sample videos of his compositions, click on the button of your
choice:
-- "Morning Passages", from "The Hours"
-- “Truman Sleeps”, memories of joy and sadness
-- “Dead Things”, a hauntingly beautiful piece
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