Conversations with David Cubek

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Cubek.

Hi David, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Music has been a part of my life since I can remember. I grew up in Caracas, Venezuela. My mom played the guitar and the cuatro (a traditional Venezuelan instrument akin to the ukulele) and my dad was an audiophile who owned a sophisticated sound system and a pretty impressive record collection. Not surprisingly, I started taking music lessons as a child. The piano was my main instrument but, as a teenager, I taught myself how to play the guitar as well. I started my undergraduate studies in Caracas in piano performance but moved to Montreal to finish my studies at McGill University. There, I truly fell in love with orchestral music. Since the piano isn’t a regular member of the symphony orchestra, I decided to become a conductor. How else would I be able to perform the orchestral music that I love?!

I pursued a Master’s Degree in conducting at the Conservatory of Montreal and a doctorate at Northwestern University, in Evanston, north of Chicago. Since then, I have enjoyed teaching and conducting internationally. I’m fortunate to have been able to work with university, youth, community, and professional orchestras. Every type of ensemble approaches music in a different way and the process to help each kind of orchestra achieve its full potential varies greatly, making every rehearsal and concert a fascinating experience.

I am a Professor of Music and a conductor at the Claremont Colleges, where I started teaching in 2010. Since 2021 I have also had the honor of being the Music Director and Conductor of the Peninsula Symphony Orchestra, which was founded in the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I have had. It has been an honor to share music with fellow musicians and audiences alike.

Without a doubt, one of the greatest struggles I have ever experienced occurred during the pandemic. Rehearsals with the Claremont Concert Orchestra (of Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Pitzer, and Scripps Colleges) had to take place outside. I remember one particular rehearsal that was interrupted by a wind storm. The sheet music and stands were flying, but students were resilient and determined. The ensuing concert, which almost had to be canceled due to rain, was cathartic. Some students and audience members were in tears, overjoyed to once again be able to perform and experience live orchestral music!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an orchestral conductor and an educator. Many people in the conducting world consider themselves to be the focus of attention of orchestral performances. But, for me, orchestral concerts are about the beautiful music that we get to share among fellow musicians and with the audience. Deep respect and collegiality have replaced the autocratic and egotistical approach that characterized many conductors from previous generations.

The Peninsula Symphony musicians have responded extremely well to this approach. Our rehearsals are relaxed and full of camaraderie, but also focused and productive. It has been a pleasure to see the orchestra develop throughout the past three years and I’m really looking forward to future seasons together.

The Peninsula Symphony performs several concerts per year in Redondo Beach (at the RUHS Auditorium). The organization’s board, the musicians, and I have worked hard at making our concerts ever more accessible and exciting for new and returning audience members. Our concerts are free and everybody is welcome!

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Books about music and composers are certainly a great help for conductors and musicians in general.

Alex Ross’ “The Rest is Noise” is a great introduction to twentieth-century music. Every music lover should read it.
I also try to stay current reading composers’ biographies. The last one I read was “Gustav Mahler” by Jens Malte Fischer.

There are also many music and video streaming apps that are very helpful. They make an incredibly rich number of recordings that used to only be rare collection items readily available . Some of my favorites are:

– Beethoven Symphonies Nos 5 & 7 by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Carlos Kleiber
– Live recordings of Mahler Symphonies performed by the Lucerne Festival Orchestra conducted by Claudio Abbado
– The Beethoven Piano Sonatas recorded by Annie Fischer
– Brahms, Violin Sonata No. 1 played by David Oistrakh and Frida Bauer
– Puccini’s “Tosca” with Renata Tebaldi, Mario del Monaco, and George London conducted by Molinari-Pradelli

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pensym.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peninsulasymphonypv/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PenSym/
• Other: https://www.davidcubek.com

Image Credits
Esther Mukai Photography

This applies to all photos