"All musicians have their own identity, beyond their gender"

She has recently been honored as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. What does this appointment mean to you?

She was very scared - and amazed! - to be named a Lady. It turned out to be a celebration of what had been a very tough year. But, of course, a conductor is nobody without musicians to lead, so I feel very honored, actually, by all the musicians I make music with.

There are listeners who do not seem to notice differences between sound and style in the interpretation of the same musical work by a man or a woman. Do you think there is something in your work that distinguishes the musicality between men and women?

No not really. Could you say that male pianists are different from female pianists? I honestly think that all musicians have their own identity, regardless of gender.

"I hope that the joy and fun of these symphonies, as well as their seriousness, offer great pleasure."

Baroque, classical and pre-romantic music are included in the core of his repertoire. How would you define your stylistic approach?

Yes, I certainly feel at home in the 18th century, although my professional career began with music from the 17th century and my repertoire includes pieces from the 21st century. The truth is that I love making contemporary music. In 18th century music I look for dance forms, even in slow movements and clarity of texture. But the most important thing is the line and the relationship between momentum and stop.

Bring to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria a program with three symphonies by Haydn. How do you expect the audience to receive this monograph?

These symphonies were written by Haydn as a tribute to the magnificent musicians he discovered in the Esterhazy Orchestra when he first joined the family service in the early 1760s. I know that the Las Palmas orchestra has equally good individual musicians. that will be well known to your audience. And I hope that the essential joy and fun of these symphonies, as well as their seriousness, will offer great pleasure.

"I feel at home in the 18th century, although my professional career began with music from the 17th century"

Which directors have influenced you in the development of your professional career?

Bernard Haitink and Simon Rattle.

You had the opportunity to meet Benjamin Britten early in his musical career. Did you get any advice from this fantastic British composer?

Not directly, but with his example I learned a lot. I found him kind and encouraging and completely compelling as a musician, whether composing or performing. He was actually a great Haydn director!