Ahead of his first time in Australia, Metropolis conductor Clark Rundell took some time out of his busy schedule to tell us why he loves his craft, and why audiences must experience the works of Unsuk Chin next month.

Conducting is the most wonderful way to make a living, but it may interest some that my career did not begin in music! I was accepted into Northwestern University as a medical student, but before the first day of classes, I made the decision that I could live without organic chemistry… but I simply couldn’t live without music!

I adore how composers communicate, and move people, through sound. My wife says that I’m a “composer groupie”… We love having them over to our home. They notice things that we don’t because they see the world in a completely different way to everyone else.

I’ve worked with Unsuk Chin many times. Her music has been a substantial part of my life for well over a decade, and her talent is unbelievable! Her startling originality never fails to capture the imagination of listeners.

The music is beguiling. It is visceral music and somehow actually feels different on the skin than any other music I know.

I’m so excited to be coming to Melbourne (and Australia) for the first time! I can’t wait to see the aspects of a city that I have heard so much about. I adore working with composers and to bring the music of the genius Unsuk Chin to Melbourne is truly thrilling.