For Gustavo Gimeno, music and life are seamlessly connected

Last fall, Gustavo Gimeno began his fifth season as music director of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. In an interview with Intermezzo, the TSO’s program book, the Spanish native reflected on how music and life are seamlessly connected; he also shared personal inspirations and a childhood memory that continues to resonate with him. 

An in-demand guest conductor, Gimeno will lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on March 6-8 in a program of Ravel, Barber and the world premiere of Christopher Theofanidis’ Indigo Heaven.

A favorite childhood memory of music:

One of the first moments I remember when music profoundly affected me was as a child, listening to the last movement of Mahler’s First Symphony. My father was studying it, and I found it so moving and overwhelming that I couldn’t process what I was hearing.

What inspires him?

I draw inspiration from observing people in the streets, the work of other artists, and even an inspiring post on social media. Small, everyday moments. The sound of my daughter laughing — I love that sound, too. 

What distinguishes his creative process?

My intuition is quite dominant and fast, guiding me through decisions quickly. When dilemmas arise, I usually find a path without dwelling too long on them.

My creative process can be summed up in one word: preparation. It’s the foundation that allows me to be spontaneous and intuitive in the moment.

Like intuition or analysis, mindfulness or reflection is ongoing for me — it’s always present. Even when I jog, my mind continues reflecting. It’s not something I can switch off, but rather, it’s a constant process that integrates with everything I do.

On the importance of art:

You cannot quantify it, but I think art, in general, and music, specifically, speaks to our soul in an immediate, direct way. It connects us with certain feelings of our existence, of who we are. It puts us in context, bringing out the good things we have in ourselves more easily. Music does something to the way we feel, and therefore, how we think and act.

Why silence is so important to him: 

There’s a particular sound of silence in the mountains of the Italian countryside that I find inspiring and calming. It’s something I don’t encounter often, being a city person who travels regularly.

Why he lives one life with different facets:

For me, it’s not two separate lives; conducting and my personal life are different aspects of the same existence. I don’t see a division between my work and personal time.

How he prefers to unwind:

After a busy day, I find that enjoying a good meal and a glass of wine with someone I’m comfortable with is the perfect way to relax. After a performance, I have a beer. 

Happiness is being calm and surrounded by people you like, love and admire, and who make you feel good. 

What he likes best about being a conductor:

Working with others — fascinating people, personalities and human beings — experiencing what we can create together is what I love most about my craft. I do it because I love it, simply put.