Q & A with Project Inclusion Freeman Fellow and 2020-21 Assistant Conductor Antoine T. Clark
As part of its Conducting Freeman Fellowship, each season Chicago Sinfonietta selects one rising conductor to serve as Assistant Conductor to Music Director Mei-Ann Chen.
This 2020-21 season, Antoine T. Clark will serve in this post. As Assistant Conductor, in addition to his duties assisting Maestra Chen, and receiving additional mentoring from her, Mr. Clark will have the opportunity to conduct on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert on March 28, 2021.
We asked Antoine a few fun questions – read on below.
Favorite spot in Chicago?
My favorite spot in Chicago is Symphony Center.
What/who inspired you to be a musician?
My father was a Gospel and Rhythm and Blues guitarist, and he inspired me to be a musician.
You are a conductor, but you are also a clarinetist. You chose your instrument because?
I chose the clarinet because of if its beautiful, dark, and woody sound.
Favorite way to relax?
Watching horror movies.
Do you have a favorite work or composer?
Alpine Symphony – Richard Strauss.
If you could collaborate with any artist from any field, who would it be?
Anthony McGill, principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic
Advice for others entering your field.
Dream big and never lose your drive even when you come up short because music is not a competition; it is your joy.
Who are your biggest supporters?
My family and friends are my biggest supporter.
What inspires you?
Seeing my music students make musical advancement.
Favorite restaurant in Chicago?
MingHin Cuisine is my favorite restaurant in Chicago.
What is your Desert Island disc selection (3 CDs)?
Stevie Wonder – Songs in the Key of Life
Nielsen: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5 – Herbert Blomstedt and San Francisco Symphony
Rufus Wainwright – Poses
If you could invite any three musicians to dinner, living or deceased, who would they be and why?
African-American conductor Dean Dixon, because I would want to hear him recount his life story as one of the first Black international conductors. Richard Strauss, because he is one of my favorite composers. Joseph Bologne, Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges, because there was no musician like him in the place and time that he lived.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
A marine biologist.
What is the best advice you’ve been given about pursuing a career in music?
Be genuine when working with others, and always be prepared to the best of your ability.
What does diversity, inclusion, and equity mean to you?
The application of diversity, inclusion, and equity allows for hearing different voices, which is essential to comprehending humanity’s total beauty.
