The three-part series of Tatler's latest arts column spotlights two conductors and a choirmaster, as we only often witness their works in its most polished form on stage. But what goes behind the stellar performances under their batons? Here, Darrell Ang, chief conductor of The Sichuan Orchestra of China shares about his encounters with international orchestras and his biggest passions beyond music
If given the chance to trade his conductor’s baton for a different role, Darrell Ang would choose to be a zookeeper. “I’ve loved animals since I was a child and they are a very big passion of mine,” he shares. “In fact, I wish I could be David Attenborough—he gets to live all these adventures. I would trade my baton for that lifestyle anytime.”
But fans of the artistic director and chief conductor of the Sichuan Orchestra of China can breathe easy as “you don’t get days off as a musician to pursue other things”, he quips. “There’s just so much music to study, discover and learn. And when you are a conductor, it’s even worse because you have a lot of other administrative duties for the orchestras you work for.”