Podcast Summary: Speaking Soundly – Episode with Clive Gillinson
Podcast Information:
- Title: Speaking Soundly
- Host/Author: Artful Narratives Media
- Description: Your ticket to backstage conversations with world-renowned musicians. Join MET Opera Principal Trumpet David Krauss for candid and compelling discussions with today’s top performers as they speak about their creative process and lives as artists.
- Episode: Clive Gillinson
- Release Date: April 15, 2025
1. Introduction to Clive Gillinson
The episode opens with a brief introduction of Clive Gillinson, the Executive and Artistic Director of Carnegie Hall. David Krause highlights Gillinson’s unique background as a former cellist with the London Symphony Orchestra, emphasizing how this experience has influenced his management style at one of the world's most iconic concert halls.
Notable Quote:
Clive Gillinson: "If you can't make one plus one equal more than two, you can't be in music management because there's never enough money to do everything. So you've got to make things happen that wouldn't happen otherwise." ([00:57])
2. Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Clive delves into his multicultural upbringing, born in India to Swiss-Jewish parents who met in Palestine. Raised on a 5,000-acre farm in Kenya, his early life was marked by shyness and isolation, which shaped his personality and social interactions.
Notable Quote:
Clive Gillinson: "We'd just run and hide under the beds. We wouldn't, you know, we didn't want to talk to anybody. We're too nervous, too shy." ([07:22])
3. Transition from Musician to Management
Gillinson recounts his unexpected shift from being a cellist to taking on managerial roles. Without formal training in management, he relied on his deep understanding of musicians’ perspectives to navigate leadership challenges.
Notable Quote:
Clive Gillinson: "I'm still at heart, a musician. That's what I wanted to be with my life. Became a manager by mistake." ([02:27])
4. Leadership Philosophy and Relationship with Musicians
Emphasizing empathy and understanding, Gillinson explains how his background as a musician fosters genuine connections with the orchestra members. This kinship has been pivotal in his effective leadership at Carnegie Hall.
Notable Quote:
Clive Gillinson: "Having been somebody whose central focus was personal, that as time went by, I realized I wasn't thinking about myself at all... it's the whole point when you're running an orchestra is, how are you serving other people." ([13:28])
5. National Youth Orchestra Initiative
Discussing one of his successful initiatives, Gillinson highlights the significance of the National Youth Orchestra in the United States. He reflects on his own experience with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, sharing memorable moments and the impact it had on his career.
Notable Quote:
Clive Gillinson: "Playing in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain was one of the greatest experiences of my life and it remains so to this day." ([04:53])
6. Personal Reflections on Family and Influences
Gillinson shares heartfelt stories about his mother, a talented cellist whose natural ability inspired him. He contrasts his own passion for the cello with his mother's innate talent, highlighting the profound influence she had on his musical journey.
Notable Quote:
Clive Gillinson: "She was a totally natural talent, which I was not. I mean, I was talented, but I wasn't somebody who just was born to play the cello." ([08:56])
7. Career with the London Symphony Orchestra
Detailing his tenure with the London Symphony Orchestra, Gillinson discusses pivotal moments, including his audition and subsequent leadership roles. He candidly addresses the imposter syndrome he faced and how he overcame it through trust in others' belief in his capabilities.
Notable Quote:
Clive Gillinson: "I thought, there's no way I'm a contender. ... So if they're choosing me, I guess they must think I can do it." ([12:36])
8. Journey to Carnegie Hall
Gillinson narrates the serendipitous path that led him to Carnegie Hall. Initially uninterested, he eventually found himself selected for the role despite viewing himself as an unlikely candidate. His awe and sense of responsibility upon taking the position are palpable.
Notable Quote:
Clive Gillinson: "I couldn't believe it when I got the job. ... It's just one of those miracles." ([17:56])
9. Vision and Achievements at Carnegie Hall
At Carnegie Hall, Gillinson has been instrumental in expanding artistic possibilities and launching community-focused initiatives. He emphasizes the hall's acoustics, its historical significance, and his commitment to making music accessible and transformative for diverse audiences.
Notable Quote:
Clive Gillinson: "Music is not about being smart and impressing people with your cleverness. It's got to be about how you engage people. And a lot of that is about emotion and reactions and the pure sound." ([20:27])
10. Emotional Full Circle and Future Endeavors
As the episode draws to a close, Gillinson reflects on the emotional resonance of his journey—from performing at Carnegie Hall to now shaping its future. He anticipates a poignant moment when his former orchestra performs one of his early pieces at the hall he now leads.
Notable Quote:
Clive Gillinson: "I have no idea what it's going to feel like. ... It's a big moment, certainly for me and I hope for them too." ([23:24])
Conclusion: In this engaging episode of Speaking Soundly, Clive Gillinson offers an intimate glimpse into his multifaceted career, blending his passion for music with effective leadership. From his diverse upbringing to his transformative roles in prestigious orchestras and concert halls, Gillinson's story underscores the profound impact of creativity, empathy, and unwavering commitment to the arts.
Additional Information:
- Host: David Krause, Principal Trumpet of the Metropolitan Opera
- Next Episode: Featuring pianist Leif Ova Ansnes, releasing on April 29
Connect with Speaking Soundly:
- Website: artfulnarrativesmedia.com
- Instagram: @peakingsndly
- Privacy Policy: acast.com/privacy