Who is Asher Fisch?
I see him as that little boy from Jerusalem who, with a bit of talent, a lot of hard work, plenty of chutzpah, and a touch of luck, grew into a grateful conductor, fortunate to work with leading orchestras and opera companies around the world.
His parents, who had emigrated from Germany to Israel in the 1930s, instilled in him a deep connection to German culture from an early age. In a way, he feels he has closed their life’s circle – now living in the German Alps with his wife, a German mezzo-soprano, and their two children.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I don’t spend time thinking about what I might have done differently. And on the rare occasions when I do play with the idea of other paths I could have taken, I always come back to the same conclusion: I must have the best profession in the world, and I couldn’t be happier with my family.
Who inspires you and why?
I was very lucky to study, and assist, and be a friend of the greatest musician of our time: Daniel Barenboim. Everything I know about music, orchestras, rehearsal and baton technique and interpretation is inspired by him. When I read a score I often stop and think ‘what would Barenboim have to say about this bar? How would he have performed it?’.
Barenboim is the perfect definition of inspiration, he is always there, in the back of my mind, when I was sloppy in preparation I feel his stern reproach, when I nail a tricky transition in a Wagner opera, I feel a tap on my shoulder.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would compel world leaders to help my poor home country of Israel to help itself out of its misery and find peace between Israelis and Palestinians. It seems a far-fetched dream these days, but it is possible, I believe.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I live in the paradise of the Alps right on the border between Germany and Austria, so there is no destination that gets more beautiful than home. So there has to be good culture and good food, and preferably a beach where I like to relax. Italy answers all three, plus some.
When friends come to Perth, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I schlepp them down to Margaret River. I introduce them to Pierro Chardonnay and Moss Wood Cabernet, and take them for lunch at the Vasse Felix Winery. Life is then very good.
What are you currently reading?
I can’t read long-form these days, I have no patience. I read and study a lot of music, and when I don’t study music, I am obsessed with the news.
What are you currently listening to?
The music we are performing this month.
Happiness is?
A true partner in life is the condition for happiness. And my wife is such a partner. So, I am happy, all in all.
What does the future hold for you?
I love working with WASO and with my orchestra in the Erl Festival in Austria. I don’t want to move anymore, I love my village in the Alps. You get the idea – some more of the same would be really nice.
Asher will conduct a series of concerts in August for West Australian Symphony Orchestra including: Bruch’s Violin Concerto (15 & 16 August – Winthrop Hall), Passion & Power Regional Tour (22 August – Kalgoorlie & 24 August – Bunbury) and La Mer (29 & 30 August – Winthrop Hall). For more information, visit: www.waso.com.au for details.
Image: Asher Fisch (supplied)