The public was not mistaken since all the (free) places were taken by storm: this Monday, November 11, the Jean-Lurçat space in Juvisy-sur-Orge (Essonne) is hosting an exceptional concert. The Portes de l'Essonne harmony orchestra (OHAPE) will play works by the Spanish composer Oscar Navarro. World famous, he will even be there to direct amateur musicians. “A unique opportunity” both for the spectators and for the members of the orchestra who rehearsed tirelessly.
“It’s a bit as if Mozart or Beethoven came in person to conduct us,” smiles Maria, a cellist called in as backup because in France, there is normally no cello in symphony orchestras.
“Oscar Navarro composes magnificent, very cinematic works. And there, he is with us to explain his music to us, how to play it, she enthuses in rehearsal this Sunday. The first day of rehearsals with him, we were all impressed. But he is very approachable, funny, attentive, very precise. It's his music, we can only listen to it. »
Training that seeks to offer “atypical” projects
For several years, the amateur orchestra has challenged itself to propose “atypical” projects each year. “It is a necessity for the sustainability of this orchestra created almost 100 years ago,” assures Vincent Sinoussi, president of OHAPE. Twenty years ago, the orchestra was in decline with barely twenty musicians. We had to restore a dynamic, by playing works that others do not play, by giving concerts ― always free ― in new places (like the Disneyland Paris park, at the Orly terminal), for charitable associations…”
By inviting Oscar Navarro, OHAPE struck even harder. The idea was born two years ago. From 2020 to 2023, the orchestra had already decided to integrate one of Oscar Navarro's compositions into the program of its concerts each year. For neophytes, this 43-year-old Hispanic composer is a big name in music, also a conductor and clarinetist. His works are performed in theaters around the world. In April 2024 he was the composer chosen by the Royal Guard Royal Household to write the Overture to King Felipe VI on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of his reign.
“Intimidated” musicians
“When in 2022, the maestro announced on his social networks that he would take the direction of a Nièvre orchestra for a concert, the idea of bringing him to the Paris region very quickly emerged,” continues Vincent Sinoussi . “And I accepted with great pleasure,” smiles Oscar Navarro during a break between rehearsals this Sunday in Juvisy-sur-Orge. I love France and it is very important for me to keep in touch with amateur orchestras. This allows me to see their level and compose works adapted to be taken up by as many people as possible. I make music so everyone can play it. »
Like cellist Maria, Oscar Navarro admits that the first rehearsals “weren't very good”. “The musicians are nervous, intimidated, they have to get used to a new person directing them, who is also the composer,” he explains. But today (Sunday November 10), it was very good. People are smiling, and I can't wait to be at the concert. »
It must be said that he knows how to put the musicians at ease, conversing with them in English or relying on a translator when he wants to express a particular emotion or tempo that he is better able to express in his native language.
A “funny, approachable and demanding” chef
“He doesn’t hesitate to show us himself,” says Norhane, 16, on percussion. He actually came next to me and hit my cymbals so that I could understand the sounds he was expecting. We have the impression that he can do everything, that he knows how to play all the instruments, he also has a very beautiful voice, he often sings the tune he wants us to reproduce. This is my second year with the orchestra, and this project is a very nice surprise. I don't know how they managed to get it but I'm very happy to play under the direction of such a well-known conductor and composer. »
Same enthusiasm from Capucine, 11 years old, also on percussion even though she is originally a guitarist. “We often play the music of dead composers,” she emphasizes. It's interesting to play works by someone living under their direction, I don't think that will happen to me often. His scores are quite hard, especially on certain parts, but I really like his creations. At first, I was afraid he would be harsh. In fact he is super funny, very accessible, and demanding. »
Professional soloist Timothée Wurth also present
Clarisse, his mother, will not have the leisure to admire him this Monday, November 11. In any case, not from the audience, since she is also a member of the orchestra, as a clarinetist. There are several in the orchestra who play from generation to generation. A rather young orchestra since the average age is 39 years old, the youngest of the 66 musicians is 10 years old and the oldest 70. He will be accompanied for this concert by professional soloist Timothée Wurth, who will play the oboe.
Soloist for the music of the Republican Guard, he measures his “chance” to play under the leadership of Oscar Navarro. “It’s an incredible opportunity,” confides the man who participated in the Paris 2024 Olympic ceremonies. Oscar Navarro’s piece is one of the three most performed works currently in the world. It is magnificent, and I am honored to transmit it to the public in Juvisy. »
