Bringing Dvořák to life in the North East - Stephanie Childress
Stephanie Childress is one of today’s most compelling young conductors, known for her bold ideas, clear communication and focused energy.
With a broad repertoire and a growing international reputation, she’s already made her mark on both sides of the Atlantic. In April, it’s Middlesbrough and Gateshead’s turn to welcome Stephanie, as she takes to the stage with Royal Northern Sinfonia to conduct Dvořák’s New World Symphony.
Have you performed with Royal Northern Sinfonia before?
This will be my first time performing with the orchestra. However, as a former member of the National Youth Orchestra, I have fond memories of working with Kyra Humphreys and performing at The Glasshouse every year, which is still one of my favourite venues in the UK.
“Some passages of the symphony are said to have been inspired by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem Song of Hiawatha. My American grandmother was a Longfellow, and after looking into our family tree, we realised she was directly related to Henry Wadsworth – quite the revelation!”
Which part of Dvořák’s New World Symphony resonates with you the most?
The last movement is a perfect example of how a piece of music can hold two emotions at once: triumph and despair. The best works of art always seem to present a sense of ambiguity – nothing is ever black or white.
Can you share unique insights or lesser-known facts about the New World Symphony?
Some passages of the symphony are said to have been inspired by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem Song of Hiawatha. My American grandmother was a Longfellow, and after looking into our family tree, we realised she was directly related to Henry Wadsworth – quite the revelation!
You’re also conducting Ben Lunn’s Sonnet. What can you tell us about it?
Royal Northern Sinfonia commissioned this piece in memory of Lithuanian composer Vidmantas Bartulis. According to Ben, Bartulis was one of his great influences and one of the many reasons he studied in Vilnius. I’m looking forward to performing this piece and diving further into Ben’s music.
What other exciting plans do you have in store for this year?
I love learning languages as it’s another way to connect with people outside of music. I started studying Italian this January on top of my existing studies in German, which I began two years ago. It all seems pretty daunting now, but I’m excited to try and keep learning both whilst also getting back to speaking Russian this summer, a language I learnt as a teenager. All in all, I’m hoping to make 2025 the year of music and languages!
