Interview with Composer Alexander Steinitz

Alexander Steinitz is an established conductor who has led 50 orchestras worldwide, including the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra, Austin Symphony Orchestra, the Tonkunstler Orchestra, and the soloists of the Vienna Chamber Orchestra on their tour of Japan, where he conducted Beethoven’s 9th Symphony to critical acclaim. Also lauded was his production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni with the Niederrheinische Sinfoniker at Theater Krefeld, which was called the “Best Music Theatre Production” by Germany’s Rheinische Post.

(Read the rest of his bio.)

What do you get out of doing a concert series like Salute to Vienna?

I meet wonderful people and I like being part of a great tradition.

How do you spend your time when you aren’t working?

I love to be out in nature.

What is your favorite city?

Vienna. There is music everywhere and you can have wonderful conversations about music, even with people who are not in the field.

Who is your favorite person to travel with?

My children. They enjoy everything so much.

How many years have you performed in Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concerts?

This will be my seventh year.

What is your favorite musical composition?

Always the one that I am currently working on.

What languages do you speak?

German, English, French, Italian, and a little bit of Russian.

What is your favorite journey?

A cruise trip.

What are you reading right now?

The Rest is Noise by Alex Ross.

What is your favorite thing to eat?

Japanese food.

Dogs or cats?

Both.

The pictures above are all courtesy of Mr. Steinitz