Julliard Panel with Conductors/Composers Salonen, Saariaho & Mendonca

The Julliard School hosted a evening of discussion with conductors/composers:  Kaija Saariaho & Esa-Peka Salonen (both born in Finland) and Vasco Mendona (born Portugal.)  Presently, Salonen is the inhouse composer for the NYPhilharmonic & Mendona is the in-house composer for the MET Opera.  The main topic was mentoring; mentoships they've received & have offered others.  The youngest on the panel, Mendona (b. 1977) was recently mentored by Mendona.  She clarified that it was a colloboration & sharing of ideas.  Mendosa praised Mendona's work & wasn't sure she'd of help but was happy to offer suggestions & support.  The short video shows them communicating ideas in a partnership.  It was fascinating to hear Mendosa explain her approach to composing which involved  a  great deal of contemplation regarding sounds she wished to expressed.  Salonen admitted to a major gaff when correcting his esteemed mentor for derivations in his composition.  He felt abashed and ashamed for his conceit.  The candid conversation was extremely interesting.  They shared insights into their creative genius.  I was struck by both their humility & hubris.  I was particularily taken by Ms Mendona who felt unsure of her potential for composing for the opera.  I favored her composition "Fight/Flight/Freeze "('14.)  A piece by all 3 composers was performed by Julliard students and alumni after their talk.  Saariaho's piece "Light and Matter ('14) was written for piano, violin & cello.  Salonen's "Homunculus ('07) was written for a quartet: 2 violins, a viola & cello.  All 3 pieces were performed molto gusto.   Salonen's piece adhered more to a classical chamber music aesthetic whereas Saariaho & Mendonca were contemporary with atonal measures flowing into harmonious resonance.  To be able to hear such highly acclaimed composers speak of their creative processes & praise those who took them under their wings was inspiring.  To hear Julliard students perform their compositions afterwards was priceless.