By John Hayden
Lights dim, chaotic warmups give way to silence, and the maestro raises his baton. A moment later, an evening of world class music begins. Symphony of the Americas (SOTA) is in the midst of its 35th season bringing outstanding music to South Florida.
At the head of the massive, and massively talented, ensemble is Pablo Mielgo, SOTA’s Artistic Director and Conductor. He joined the organization in 2020 and has seen it through the tough times of COVID and led its members into ‘the new normal.’ Mielgo talked with OutClique about the season, why music is the family business, and the future of the organization. Spoiler alert: it’s bright.
John Hayden: We’re halfway through the first unrestricted post-COVID season. What can fans expect for the winter/spring performances?
Pablo Mielgo: We have planned a great variety of styles and international soloists. A mixture which will elevate Symphony of the Americas to an international level. I am so happy the audience is coming back enthusiastic and joining back our mission.
JH: What are you most excited about?
PM: Every program is designed to have special ingredients. I am so excited to see the reaction of the audience and I am thrilled to see the enthusiasm of the musicians. Their excellence was showcased during our first concert and will be throughout the rest of the season. It’s a thrilling time!
JH: Your wife is also a very talented musician and played violin in the season opener. That must have been a very special moment for both of you.
PM: It was really a great experience. It was the first time we shared the stage together as a conductor and violinist and it was really such a pleasure. The reaction from the audience was amazing. I’m so proud of her.
JH: How’d she do?
PM: Amazing. Though it was double the pressure for her to work with me, especially in an orchestra where I am the Artistic Director. But her talent speaks for itself.
JH: One of the things that makes SOTA so special is the variety of music. What is your favorite genre for South Florida audiences?
PM: I have to say the audience is really open to all styles. During our time, it is crucial to give an opportunity to the audience and musicians to experience diversity and variety. All music is connected somehow and we need to offer a connected content with a sense of what Florida is: an incredible melding of cultures.
JH: Which is your favorite style of music?
PM: Difficult to say. I have learned to enjoy many styles, absolutely convinced they are connected as I mentioned earlier. Music brings oneness and new generations are enriched by old generations. We need to be able to recreate the image of history through their sounds.
JH: You work, and are in demand, around the world. What makes South Florida so special as a community that you like to call home?
PM: I love the people, the diversity, the weather, the sea, and especially the room for improvement. I love challenges and Florida is perfect for exploring them.
JH: What does the future hold for SOTA?
PM: We are trying very hard to grow as an organization. I want to thank all the supporters of Symphony of the Americas who have continued their support year after year. Without them, our continued mission would be impossible. Just the same, I want to mention the administrative team, led by Steven Haines. We musicians always get all the credit, but without a great administrative team, our job as an orchestra to showcase the incredible sounds of world-class music would be made that much more difficult. And last, thank you for this wonderful opportunity to speak to your audiences and share my passion!
For more on their upcoming shows, visit SOTA.org.
