The Glasshouse

It’s easy to see that Dinis Sousa and Maria Włoszczowska share a remarkable connection. Together, the Principal Conductor and Artistic Partner of Royal Northern Sinfonia are leading the orchestra into one of its most exciting creative eras yet, responding to a growing appetite for classical music in the North East.

Here, they take a walk down memory lane and look ahead to the new season.

Dinis – When we first played together, almost by chance, I was amazed not only by Maria’s playing but also by how we seemed to feel music in the same way. When we rehearse, we don’t have to say much to each other and know what the other person is thinking. Making music like that is special. We’ve been lucky to have shared these last three years with the orchestra, who are open and willing to go on a journey each time we prepare a programme.

During last season’s Schumann cycle, we played the rarely performed oratorio Das Paradies und die Peri – a piece close to both our hearts. When we first met, we never dreamt we’d perform it together, so it was a dream to bring this incredible piece to life in Sage One.

Maria – I’m delighted that Dinis is staying on as Principal Conductor, and we can keep working together. Our musical partnership started during our studies in London, and it’s gone from playing together as a violin-piano duo to working as conductor-leader and conductor-soloist. This versatility and broad scope of collaboration excites me the most.

I’m constantly heartened by how our relationship keeps growing and how we help each other become better musicians and leaders. The trust, friendship, admiration and mutual readiness to receive constructive criticism are rare and precious to me.

It’s also brilliant that I’m continuing my relationship with Royal Northern Sinfonia as Artistic Partner. The past three years have been pivotal in my development as a musician and director, and the orchestra has played the biggest role in that growth. I couldn’t be more grateful for their trust, enthusiasm and openness – qualities that inspire and encourage me to keep exploring.

Dinis – This season, we’re sharing the stage with an incredible line-up of guests, and I can’t wait to welcome them. Some will be joining us for the first time, and it’s always exciting to see how these new relationships blossom. I’m also thrilled that we’ll be performing in Sage Two more, and we’ve programmed a wonderfully varied series of concerts. It’s a uniquely theatrical venue, and I’m looking forward to our more unusual concerts there in the spring.

Maria – It’s a privilege to have the support of an exceptional group of musicians like Royal Northern Sinfonia. This was the main thought behind planning concerts in the new season – I wanted them to reflect the excellence and chamber music skills of all the players involved and to showcase their character and love for collaboration.

I’ve designed several concerts, and I can’t wait for our audiences to join us on this eclectic and fantastical journey. A highlight for me will be the all-Bach programme in Sage One, something I’ve been looking forward to since I joined.