Alongside his visits to Perth and Sydney, the celebrated Brazilian conductor will be leading the MSO in the upcoming ‘Respighi’s Fountains of Rome’ concert, performed on three dates from September 30.
While Marcelo will be unable to spend his birthday with his wife - who recently gave birth to the couple’s second daughter – he's looking forward to celebrating the special day conducting in Melbourne alongside his lifelong friend and pianist, Nelson Freire.
“I’ve known Nelson since I was a child and it’s always a great experience to share the stage with him,” Marcelo said.
Soon to be 37 years old, Marcelo established himself as an internationally acclaimed conductor in record time, making his professional debut aged just 21, despite disparaging comments that he was too young to commence his career.
It’s no surprise to learn that the Brazilian fell into conducting early on, given his family’s background.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Marcelo is the son of Brazilian pianist, Sônia Goulart and German violinist, Erich Lehninger.
Raised by professional musicians, Marcelo soon fell in love with classical music, studying the violin and the piano for as long as he can remember, before focusing on conducting and composition.
“My parents never really pushed me to pursue a musical career, but it was something natural at our home,” Marcelo said.
“Since my sister and I were exposed to the routine of rehearsals and concerts, constant practising and travelling, and the fact that our house was frequented by artists, musicians, composers and conductors, I believe it would have been quite strange for my parents if I had wanted to become a doctor or a lawyer!”
While Marcelo was destined to become a musical talent of some sort, it was the sheer captivation he experienced towards the conductor while attending orchestra rehearsals at a young age, which led him to pursue a career in conducting.
“I was fascinated to see how someone that was not producing any sound could influence and completely change the sound of an orchestra.”
After completing most of his formal training in his mother country, between stints in Europe and the United States, Marcelo then settled in New York in 2005 to undertake his Masters at the Conductors Institute at Bard College.
Since carrying out his studies, Marcelo has gone on to conduct concerts all over the globe, from Boston to Paris, making many memorable moments along the way.
“I have a strong need to communicate through music, and I love travelling the globe and conducting for audiences of different cultures,” Marcelo said.
“It’s interesting to communicate musically with audiences while not always being able to speak their native language.”
As Marcelo continues to conquer the musical world, he’s looking forward to conducting in Melbourne at the end of the month during his first visit to Australia.
Under the baton of Marcelo, the MSO will perform two thirds of Respighi’s famous ‘Roman Trilogy’, in an exploration of the city’s fountains and green spaces.
“Both pieces have the incredible capability of transporting you in place and time,” Marcelo explained.
“The birdcall in the third movement of ‘Pines’ is an incredible moment, and the ending of the piece makes you want to jump from your seat because it’s so exciting!”
As Marcelo prepares to take centre stage to conduct the “beautiful and challenging” program, he hopes to lead his Melbourne spectators on a musical journey like no other.
“I want the audience to be transformed, to experience travel through time and place in the music. I want them to be inspired.”
