Andris Nelsons – A new documentary

Accentus is producing a portrait of Andris Nelsons that traces the conductor’s stellar career and offers a glimpse into his life beyond the podium.

Andris Nelsons is one of the world’s most sought-after conductors of our time – at just 40 years of age. The press describes him as a “conductor in the fast lane” – quite apt given his breathtaking career, which he is quite shy about. In Leipzig he joins the long tradition of famous Gewandhauskapellmeister, among them Felix Mendelssohn, Bruno Walter, Kurt Masur and Riccardo Chailly.

The 30-minute portrait traces the young Latvian’s steep career: The musical beginnings in his native city of Riga, his training as a trumpeter (an instrument he continues to practice for meditative preparation at rehearsals and concerts), his decision for conducting, his first position as chief conductor at the Latvian National Opera at the age of only 24 and further positions as chief in Herford and Birmingham. In 2014, he was appointed Principal Conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, a position he still holds today.

Among the film’s components are current recordings of rehearsals in Leipzig and Boston, concert excerpts, a visit to his home town Riga, behind-the-scenes insights, interviews with him, with friends, colleagues and orchestra musicians, plus footage from his private archive.
A production of Accentus Music in coproduction with MDR and ORF.

Production Company Accentus Music GmbH
Co-Production Company MDR
Co-Production Company ORF
Director Carmen Belaschk
Recorded February 2018 to October 2019 – Delivery: End of December 2019
Duration 29 minutes
Format 16:9 HD