Muhamad Yusri

As this year’s edition of the World Music Contest (WMC) Conductors Contest approaches, I can’t help but feel excited for the chosen participants from all over the world. From 12 to 19 Jul 2017, they will have a life-changing experience and learn from some of the best Conductors and Teachers from around the world. Of course, they will also be competing with each other for 3 Batons (Gold, Silver and Bronze).

When I went to the WMC in 2001 with the Singapore Wind Symphony (SWS), as a Trumpeter, of course, I heard there had been a Conductors Contest and the winner was a gentleman from China. I did not know there was one. If I did, I would have sent in an audition tape and see if I could get in. So I kept a lookout in 2004 for information on the requirements for the WMC Conductors Contest in 2005. I submitted an audition video and was really happy to be accepted as one of 24 participants. There were 3 Singaporean conductors accepted that year.

There were 3 rounds of competition. Round 1 was us conducting a combined Community Band from the local area and we had to conduct a piece that was given to us. I was given the first movement from the Hans Christian Andersen Suite by Soren Hyldgaard. Having conducted the SWS for a few years prior to this, I remembered that the most important thing for me to do was to ensure that the band had fun. From the moment I said good morning (in Dutch), or tried to say it, I knew we were going to have loads of fun. One of the thing I was really impressed with was the member’s age range. You can see as young as 9 years old to about 70 years old. The community spirit was overwhelming. When the result was announced, I was one of 8 that progressed on to the Semi-Finals. The band cheered and I went over to thank them for a most wonderful experience.

In Round 2, we had the chance to work with the Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy. We had to conduct either the 3rd movement of the Barnes Symphony No. 3 or 1st movement from the Concerto for Piano and Wind Instruments by Stravinsky, or so we all thought. We had to draw lots to decide the order and I picked No. 8. We were then informed that there would be no rehearsal time provided. We had to conduct through the 2 pieces. We all went… What?!

The next day, during the Semi-Final wound, I was thinking if I should sit out the first seven candidates but I needed to hear and see how the band played and reacted to the conductors. So I sat through all of them. I noticed a mistake, a wrong note played by the Euphonium section in the Barnes. Strangely, no one noticed it. So when I got on, I said to the band… “Good morning. Before we start, can the Euphonium section please change the Bb to B natural in bar… I think it will sound better?” I got a sigh of relief and nodding of heads. YAY! I made a small mistake in the Stravinsky (all but one conductor managed to cue the band in successfully after the piano cadenza) but fortunately, I made it through. When the results were announced, I was one of 3 finalists! We then traveled to Rotterdam to have a rehearsal with the band on one of 3 pieces for the finals. We had to draw lots again! I got the Danse Funambulesque by Jules Strens which was last in concert order. The other two were Thierry Weber from France who had to conduct A Night on Culbin Sands by Alexander Comitas and Jordi Frances Sanjuan from Spain who had to conduct Dionysiaques Op.62 by Florent Schmitt.

Hardy Mertens, a world famous Composer, Conductor and a great Teacher, suggested I work on the piece to prepare for the finals. I told him that I was already in the finals and I am still in shock and did not take up his offer to help me. I think that was the biggest mistake I ever made for this competition 😦 Hardy could have given me advice on the band and culture so that I could be mentally prepared when I met them. Sorry Hardy… You must have been really disappointed with me back then.

On the day of the rehearsal with the band, we each had 45mins to work on our pieces. True enough, I was not prepared and the jury was judging the way we took the rehearsal as well. I knew it was game over for me but I told myself to still give my best during the concert.

On concert day, the band was just awesome! They played really well and for me, conducting on the Rodahall stage was beyond any experience I have ever had and till today I long to get back on that stage. The results were announced in order from Bronze Baton to Gold Baton. My name was announced first. Jordi won the Silver Baton and Thierry won the Gold Baton. Thierry spoke the least English and he won! This proves that you do not need to speak the same language as long as your conducting is clear and the band understands you. I am so proud of Thierry and Jordi 🙂 They are doing really well in their conducting careers now.

Below is the Bronze Baton I won at the 10th International Conductors Contest in 2005 and I really hope someone from Asia will bring home a Baton from this year’s contest!

Here’s wishing all Conductors the very best for the 13th International Conductors Contest 2017. Enjoy your time in Kerkrade and The Netherlands!