Love leads to night at the ballet in Northampton for top conductor

Conducted and presented by the esteemed Nathan Fifield, who is a champion of the ballet genre, the programme will whisk audiences to ballet scenes from across the globe.

The concert features musical excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s famous and much-loved Swan Lake and enchanted Sleeping Beauty, Smetana’s lively and bouncy Dance of the Comedians from The Bartered Bride, Delibes’ dainty Waltz and rousing Mazurka from Coppélia.

We chat to Nathan about the show and how it made an impact on his personal life

What inspired you to choose a career in music?

My mother forced me to practice the piano from age 6 to 12, I fought her the entire time with tears and tantrums. Then at a school talent show, my younger brother and I both played the piano. At 8 years old, my brother’s piano piece was much more impressive and generated far more applause than my badly played piece. I became extremely jealous and made the determination that, as the oldest child in the family, I would never again let any of my younger siblings play better than I did. I started practicing long hours and became very passionate about music. My competitiveness drove me to eventually pursue a professional career as an orchestra conductor.

What attracted you to the world of ballet music?

At age 14 I had a crush on a beautiful ballerina who attended my school. I tried to impress her by taking ballet classes (she eventually became my wife!). Although I fell in love with ballet, I was not a naturally talented dancer. I was constantly injuring myself and could not seem to point my feet properly. Then one day, while listening to a very bad pianist play for my ballet class, I thought, I bet I could do a better job than that! I quit ballet and started playing for ballet classes and absolutely loved it.

What can audiences expect from the programmes on 24 June.

An entertaining and educational journey through the classical ballet repertoire. It is music that stands on its own even without the dance to accompany it.

Do you have any personal favourites from this selection of ballet music?

Of all the music Tchaikovsky composed, the ballet Sleeping Beauty was his favourite and I believe it is also mine. As many times as I have conducted it, I have never tired of it.

Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?

The fantastic musicians of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra! I’m astounded at the breadth of the repertoire they play, and the quality they bring to their performances, with very little rehearsal time.

What do you like doing when not conducting?

I love to photograph historic English churches. I’ve visited over 400.

What advice would you give any aspiring musicians?

Beyond disciplined practice, I would encourage aspiring musicians to live a full life: to embrace relationships, love, friendship, family, food, and even heartache. What meaning does music have, if it is uninspired by life?

A Night at the Ballet, starts at 7.30pm on Sunday June 24.

Tickets are priced from £15 to £35, with tickets for Under 26s priced £11 as part of the Real Discounts scheme, and tickets for under 14s and schools at just £5 each.

To book, call 01604 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk.