Vasily Petrenko: Difference between revisions

'''Vasily Eduardovich Petrenko''' ({{lang-langx|ru|Васи́лий Эдуа́рдович Петре́нко}}; born 7 July 1976) is a [[Russia]]n-British conductor. He is currently chiefmusic conductordirector of the [[Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra]] and of the [[Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra]]. Since 2015, he has been the principal conductor of the [[European Union Youth Orchestra]].

Of Russian and Ukrainian ancestry,<ref name="MorrisVAN2023">{{cite web | url=https://van-magazine.com/mag/vasily-petrenko/ | title=Vasily Petrenko's British Values | work=VAN Magazine | author=Hugh Morris | date=2023-11-02 | accessdate=2023-12-25}}</ref> Petrenko was born in [[St Petersburg|Leningrad]], [[USSR]]. He attended the [[Saint Petersburg Court Capella|Capella Boys Music School]] and the [[Saint Petersburg Conservatory|St Petersburg Conservatoire]].<ref>Mike Chapple, "Petrenko's mission to make the Phil the world's best orchestra". ''Liverpool Daily Post'', 17 July 2007.</ref> Petrenko studied conducting principally under Ravil Martynov,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.scena.org/columns/lebrecht/080730-NL-russian.html | title=Russian to the rescue | work=La Scene Musicale | author=Norman Lebrecht | date=2008-07-30 | accessdateaccess-date=2012-08-23}}</ref><ref>Condy, Oliver. "A Russian Revolution: Vasily Petrenko". BBC Music Magazine, September 2009 (Vol. 17 No. 13): p. 26</ref> also learning from [[Mariss Jansons]], [[Yuri Temirkanov]], [[Esa-Pekka Salonen]], [[George Benjamin (composer)|George Benjamin]] and [[Roberto Carnevale]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/sep/17/classicalmusicandopera1 | title=Petrenko's Russian revolution | work=The Observer | author=Anthony Holden | date=2006-09-17 | accessdateaccess-date=2007-05-05}}</ref> He was resident conductor at the [[Mikhaylovsky Theatre|St. Petersburg Opera and Ballet Theatre]] from 1994 to 1997. He has served as chief conductor of the State Academy of St Petersburg since 1994.<ref>Alan Weston and Laure Voiment, "The football-mad conductor taking the helm at Liverpool". ''Liverpool Daily Post'', 12 July 2005.</ref> In 2002 he won the first prize of the [[Cadaqués Orchestra International Conducting Competition]].

Petrenko made his conducting debut with the [[Royal Liverpool Philharmonic]] Orchestra (RLPO) in November 2004.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/article546401.ece | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517074248/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/article546401.ece | url-status=dead | archive-date=17 May 2011 | title=Vasily Petrenko signs for Liverpool! | work=The Times | author=Matthew Connolly | date=2005-07-22 | accessdateaccess-date=2008-01-01}}</ref> After this appearance, in July 2005, he was named the RLPO's principal conductor, the youngest-ever conductor in the post, effective with the 2006–2007 season for an initial contract of 3 years.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2005/jul/12/arts.artsnews3 | title=Orchestra's Russian choice | newspaper=The Guardian | author=David Ward | date=2005-07-12 | accessdateaccess-date=2007-05-05}}</ref> Since taking up the post, the orchestra's financial situation and attendance have improved.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://arts.guardian.co.uk/theatre/dance/reviews/story/0,,2007385,00.html | title=RLPO/Petrenko | work=The Guardian | author=Tim Ashley | date=2007-02-07 | accessdateaccess-date=2007-05-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2007/02/14/beautiful-music-as-phil-smashes-box-office-record-64375-18620252/ | title=Beautiful music as Phil smashes box office record | work=Liverpool Daily Post | author=Larry Neild | date=2007-02-14 | accessdateaccess-date=2007-12-26}}</ref> He has also received critical praise for revitalising the orchestra, in Russian repertoire (especially [[Dmitri Shostakovich|Shostakovich]]) <ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2007/02/05/bmpetrenko05.xml | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070517055826/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2007/02/05/bmpetrenko05.xml | url-status=dead | archive-date=2007-05-17 | title=Dynamic visionary rings the changes | work=Telegraph | author=Geoffrey Norris | author-link=Geoffrey Norris | date=2007-02-05 | accessdateaccess-date=2007-05-05}}</ref> as well as standard repertoire such as Brahms, and in English music.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2007/02/12/bmpetrenko12.xml | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224005049/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2007/02/12/bmpetrenko12.xml | url-status=dead | archive-date=2007-02-24 | title=Petrenko shows that he is a natural Englishman | work=Telegraph | author=David Fanning | date=2007-02-12 | accessdateaccess-date=2007-05-05}}</ref> In May 2007, the RLPO announced that Petrenko had extended his contract with the orchestra to 2012.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2007/10/01/bmpetrenko10.xml | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011140842/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2007/10/01/bmpetrenko10.xml | url-status=dead | archive-date=2007-10-11 | title=Vasily Petrenko: Why Liverpool is galvanised by the 'Petrenko effect' | work=Telegraph | author=Geoffrey Norris | author-link=Geoffrey Norris | date=2007-10-01 | accessdateaccess-date=2007-10-03}}</ref> In September 2009, the orchestra announced a further extension of his contract to 2015, with a change of Petrenko's title to Chief Conductor.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2009/09/10/conductor-vasily-petrenko-signs-up-to-the-royal-liverpool-philharmonic-orchestra-until-2015-100252-24650435/ | title=Conductor Vasily Petrenko signs up to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra until 2015 | work=Liverpool Echo | author=Catherine Jones | date=2009-09-10 | accessdateaccess-date=2009-09-11}}</ref> In March 2013, the RLPO announced the conversion of Petrenko's contract into an extended open-ended agreement with no specific scheduled time of conclusion, and where Petrenko is to give an advance notice of 3 years of when he wishes to conclude his tenure.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.liverpoolphil.com/11391/latest-press-releases/vasily-petrenko-extends-contract-with-the-royal-liverpool-philharmonic.html | title=Vasily Petrenko Extends Contract with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic | publisher=Royal Liverpool Philharmonic | date=13 March 2013 | accessdateaccess-date=2013-03-17 | url-status=dead | archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318034612/http://www.liverpoolphil.com/11391/latest-press-releases/vasily-petrenko-extends-contract-with-the-royal-liverpool-philharmonic.html | archivedatearchive-date=18 March 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-entertainment/echo-entertainment/2013/03/13/vasily-petrenko-signs-new-royal-liverpool-philharmonic-orchestra-contract-100252-32978329/ | title=Vasily Petrenko signs new Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra contract | work=Liverpool Echo | author=Catherine Jones | date=2013-03-13 | accessdateaccess-date=2013-03-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/mar/13/petrenko-extends-rlpo-contract | title=Vasily Petrenko extends RLPO contract | work=The Guardian | author=Sophia Lambton | date=2013-03-13 | accessdateaccess-date=2013-03-13}}</ref> His first conducting appearance at [[The Proms]] was with the RLPO in August 2008.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-life-features/liverpool-arts/2008/08/01/petrenko-prepares-for-proms-date-64375-21446116/ | title=Petrenko prepares for Proms date | work=Liverpool Daily Post | author=Vicky Anderson | date=2008-08-01 | accessdateaccess-date=2009-01-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-life-features/liverpool-arts/2008/08/02/music-review-rlpo-vasily-petrenko-bbc-proms-royal-albert-hall-64375-21462674/ | title=Music Review: RLPO / Vasily Petrenko, BBC Proms, Royal Albert Hall | work=Liverpool Daily Post | author=Gail Thomson | date=2008-08-02 | accessdateaccess-date=2009-01-10}}</ref> Petrenko and the RLPO have recorded several compact discs for [[Naxos Records|Naxos]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/09/tchaikovsky-manfred-voyevoda-review | title=Tchaikovsky, Manfred Symphony, The Voyevoda | work=The Observer | author=Anthony Holden | date=2008-11-09 | accessdateaccess-date=2009-09-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/jan/09/liszt-totentanz-review | title=Liszt Piano Concertos Nos 1 & 2; Totentanz; Nebolsin/RLPO/Petrenko | work=The Guardian | author=Tim Ashley | date=2009-01-09 | accessdateaccess-date=2009-09-12}}</ref> Petrenko's recording of Tchaikovsky's ''[[Manfred Symphony]]'' won the ''[[Gramophone (magazine)|Gramophone]]'' orchestral recording of the year in 2009.

In April 2007, Petrenko was one of eight conductors of British orchestras to endorse the 10-year classical music outreach manifesto, "Building on Excellence: Orchestras for the 21st Century", to increase the presence of classical music in the UK, including giving free entry to all British schoolchildren to a classical music concert.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/6593341.stm | title=Pupils get free concert tickets | work=BBC News | date=26 April 2007 | accessdateaccess-date=2007-05-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://education.guardian.co.uk/artinschools/story/0,,2066195,00.html | title=Orchestras urge free concerts for children | work=The Guardian | author=Charlotte Higgins | date=2007-04-26 | accessdateaccess-date=2007-05-05}}</ref> From December 2008 to 2013 Petrenko served as Principal Conductor of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, conducting his first concert with them at the 2009 BBC Proms.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/aug/09/prom-31-nyo-petrenko-review?INTCMP=SRCH | title=Prom 31 – NYO/Petrenko | work=The Guardian | author=Erica Jeal | date=2009-08-09 | accessdateaccess-date=2011-02-20}}</ref>

Petrenko first conducted the [[Oslo Philharmonic]] Orchestra in December 2009.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.aftenposten.no/kul_und/article4032527.ece | title=Vasily Petrenko ny sjefdirigent | work=Aftenposten | author=Erik Bjørnskau | date=2011-02-17 | accessdateaccess-date=2011-02-20 | url-status=dead | archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218151257/http://www.aftenposten.no/kul_und/article4032527.ece | archivedatearchive-date=2011-02-18 }}</ref> In February 2011, the Oslo Philharmonic announced the appointment of Petrenko as its next chief conductor, as of the 2013-2014 season, with an initial contract of 4 years.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.oslofilharmonien.no/lang/no/diverse/vasily-petrenkooslo-filharmoniens-neste-sjefsdirigent/ | title=Vasily Petrenko Oslo-Filharmoniens neste sjefsdirigent | publisher=Oslo Philharmonic | date=18 February 2011 | accessdateaccess-date=2011-02-20 | url-status=dead | archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724182406/http://www.oslofilharmonien.no/lang/no/diverse/vasily-petrenkooslo-filharmoniens-neste-sjefsdirigent/ | archivedatearchive-date=24 July 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-entertainment/echo-entertainment/2011/02/17/royal-liverpool-philharmonic-orchestra-s-vasily-petrenko-appointed-chief-conductor-of-the-oslo-philharmonic-100252-28189670/ | title=Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra's Vasily Petrenko appointed chief conductor of the Oslo Philharmonic | work=Liverpool Echo | author=Laura Davis | date=2011-02-17 | accessdateaccess-date=2011-02-20}}</ref> His initial Oslo contract callscalled for 7 weeks of appearances in his first seasons and 10 weeks of appearances in subsequent seasons.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.aftenposten.no/kul_und/article4032527.ece | title=Et svært godt valg | work=Aftenposten | author=Knut Olav Åmås | date=2011-02-17 | accessdateaccess-date=2011-02-20 | url-status=dead | archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218151257/http://www.aftenposten.no/kul_und/article4032527.ece | archivedatearchive-date=2011-02-18 }}</ref> In October 2019, his departure from the orchestra in summer 2020 was announced.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ofo.no/en/news/klaus-makela-chief-conductor-2020-21|title=Klaus Mäkelä new Chief Conductor from 2020|website=Ofo|language=en|access-date=2020-04-08}}</ref>

In August 2013, comments attributed to Petrenko in a Norwegian newspaper that appeared to denigrate female conductors caused controversy,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.aftenposten.no/kultur/--Orkestermusikere-reagerer-bedre-pa-a-ha-en-mann-foran-seg-De-har-ofte-mindre-seksuell-energi-og-kan-fokusere-mer-pa-musikken-7293720.html#.UiGgA5IqbJI | title=Vasily Petrenko, ny sjefdirigent i OFO: - Orkestermusikere reagerer bedre på å ha en mann foran seg. De har ofte mindre seksuell energi og kan fokusere mer på musikken. | work=Aftenposten | author=Maren Ørstavik | date=2013-08-29 | accessdateaccess-date=2013-08-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/sep/02/male-conductors-better-orchestras-vasily-petrenko | title=Male conductors are better for orchestras, says Vasily Petrenko | work=The Guardian | author=Charlotte Higgins | date=2013-09-02 | accessdateaccess-date=2016-11-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.motherjones.com/media/2013/09/women-conductors-gap-charts-marin-alsop-proms | title=Here's Why You Seldom See Women Leading a Symphony | work=Mother Jones | author=Hannah Levintova | date=2013-09-23 | accessdateaccess-date=2016-11-27}}</ref> including calls for his resignation from the RLPO.<ref name="Sweeting">{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/classicalmusic/10808766/Petrenko-I-dont-believe-women-conductors-are-a-distraction.html | title=Petrenko: I don't believe women conductors are a distraction | work=Telegraph | author=Adam Sweeting | date=2014-05-08| accessdateaccess-date=2016-11-27}}</ref> Petrenko subsequently apologised for how hissome remarkspeople werechose construedto construe his remarks, and stated that his comments were in specific reference to the situation for conductors in Russia, rather than female conductors in general. He also indicated that part of the controversy was due to the fact that the interview was conducted in English, rather than Norwegian.<ref name="Sweeting"/> Petrenko also subsequently stated publicly:

In November 2015, Petrenko's Oslo contract was extended through 2020.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.gramophone.co.uk/classical-music-news/vasily-petrenko-extends-oslo-contract-to-2020 | title=Vasily Petrenko extends Oslo contract to 2020 | work=Gramophone | author= | date=2015-11-09 | accessdateaccess-date=2017-01-01}}</ref> In October 2019, the orchestra announced the scheduled conclusion of Petrenko's Oslo tenure at the close of the 2019-2020 season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ofo.no/en/news/klaus-makela-chief-conductor-2020-21|title=Klaus Mäkelä new Chief Conductor from 2020|website=Ofo|language=en|access-date=2020-04-08}}</ref> Petrenko stood down as chief conductor of the Oslo Philharmonic at the close of the 2019-2020 season.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.rpo.co.uk/about/news-press/95-press/300-royal-philharmonic-orchestra-announced-vasily-petrenko-as-music-director-from-2021-22-season | title=Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Announced Vasily Petrenko as Music Director from 2021–22 Season | publisher=Royal Philharmonic Orchestra | date=2 July 2018 | access-date=2018-07-02}}</ref>

Petrenko first guest-conducted the [[Royal Philharmonic Orchestra]] (RPO) in March 2016. He returned for a subsequent guest-conducting engagement in April 2017. In July 2018, the RPO announced the appointment Petrenko as its new music director, effective with the 2021-2022 season, with an initial contract of 5 years. He is to holdheld the title of music director-designate for the 2020-2021 season. InPetrenko parallelconcluded withhis thisRLPO RPOchief announcement,conductorship Petrenkoat isthe scheduledclose toof standthe down2020-2021 asseason, chiefand conductorsubsequently oftook the Oslotitle Philharmonicof atconductor thelaureate close ofwith the 2019-2020 seasonRLPO.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.rpoliverpoolphil.co.ukcom/aboutnews/news-press/95-pressreleases/300-royaldetails/liverpool-philharmonic-orchestra-announcedannounces-vasily-petrenko-as-musicconductor-directorlaureate-from-2021-22summer-season2021 | title=RoyalLiverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Announcedannounces Vasily Petrenko as MusicConductor DirectorLaureate from 2021–22summer Season2021 | publisher=Royal Philharmonic Orchestra | date=2 July 2018 | accessdateaccess-date=2018-07-02}}</ref> SimultaneouslyIn withApril 2024, the RPO announcement,announced the RLPOextension announced thatof Petrenko's iscontract toas concludeits hismusic RLPOdirector chief conductorship atthrough the close of the 20202029-20212030 season, and subsequently to take the title of conductor laureate with the RLPO.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.liverpoolphilrpo.comco.uk/news/-and-press-releases/details/liverpool-philharmonic-announces888-vasily-petrenko-ascontract-conductorextension-laureate-from-summer-20212030 | title=Liverpool Philharmonic announces Vasily Petrenko asextends ConductorRPO LaureateMusic fromDirector summerContract 2021to 2030 | publisher=Royal Philharmonic Orchestra | date=224 JulyApril 20182024 | accessdateaccess-date=20182024-07-0212}}</ref>

Petrenko lives on the [[Wirral Peninsula]] withand his wife Evgenia Chernysheva-Petrenko, who is herself a conductor, and theirhave two children, Alexander (Sasha) and Anya.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/vasily-petrenko-liverpool-philharmonic-orchestra-11335206 | title=Vasily Petrenko marks 10 years at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic | work=Liverpool Echo | author=Catherine Jones | date=2016-05-16 | accessdateaccess-date=2016-11-27}}</ref> He is a [[Football (soccer)|football]] aficionado and follower of the club [[FC Zenit Saint Petersburg]] and [[Liverpool F.C.]]<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2006/09/15/signs-of-old-phil-magic-as-petrenko-makes-his-debut-64375-17749853/ | title=Signs of old Phil magic as Petrenko makes his debut | work=Liverpool Daily Post | author=Glyn Mon Hughes | date=2006-09-15 | accessdateaccess-date=2007-12-26}}</ref> In March 2009, Petrenko was awarded an honorary professorship and Doctor of Letters degree from Liverpool Hope University.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2009/03/26/conductor-vasily-petrenko-has-been-made-an-honourary-doctor-at-liverpool-hope-university-92534-23235455/ | title=Conductor Vasily Petrenko made honoured by Liverpool Hope University | work=Liverpool Daily Post | author=Richard Down | date=2009-03-26 | accessdateaccess-date=2009-04-09}}</ref> In April 2009, Petrenko was made an 'Honorary [[Scouser]]' by the [[Lord Mayor of Liverpool]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Liverpool's footballing legends among first round of Honorary Scousers | work=Liverpool Echo |date=2009-04-03 | url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2009/04/03/liverpool-s-footballing-legends-amoung-first-round-of-honorary-scousers-100252-23307303/ |accessdateaccess-date=2009-04-03}}</ref> He became a British citizen in 2015. In November 2016, the city of Liverpool made Petrenko a new Citizen of Honour.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.cultureliverpool.co.uk/news/vasily-becomes-citizen-of-honour/ | title=Vasily becomes Citizen of Honour | publisher=Culture Liverpool | date=21 November 2016 | accessdateaccess-date=2016-11-27}}</ref> He becamePetrenko aand Britishhis citizenfamily currently reside in 2015London.<ref name="MorrisVAN2023"/>

* Rachmaninov: ''Symphonic Dances'' /the ''The Isle of the Dead'' /the ''The Rock'' (2011)

* Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 3, ''Caprice Bohemien'', ''Vocalise''. (2012)

* Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 1, ''Prince Rostislav'' (2013)

[[Ecstatic Records]]

* Torke: ''Concerto for Orchestra'' (2014)

[[LAWO Classics]]

* Elgar: Symphony No. 1, ''Cockaigne'' Overture (2015)

* Elgar: Symphony No. 2, ''Carissima'', ''Mina'', ''Chanson de Nuit'' and ''Chanson de Matin'' (2017)

[[Pentatone Classics(record label)|PENTATONE]]

* Wolf-Ferrari: ''I Quatro Rusteghi'' (2018)

[[Tritó Records]]

* Albéniz: 'Poèmes d'amour' (2013)

[[Category:PeopleMusicians from Saint Petersburg]]

[[Category:21st-century Russian conductors (music)]]