Jesús Herrera: The Spanish Maestro Leading London's Philharmonic

Herrera's path to the pinnacle of classical music administration was anything but conventional. Growing up in Linares, a city in Spain's Andalusia region, his home was not filled with symphonies. His first encounter with the great composers was a stroke of serendipity. "The first time that Jesús Herrera knew of the existence of Mozart and Beethoven was through a record that came as a gift with a minicadena," a pivotal moment that ignited a profound musical journey.

Despite this unconventional start, his dedication was immediate and intense. He recalls,

"In my house, classical music was not listened to, but somehow I managed to get them to sign me up for the conservatory."

This early determination laid the foundation for a remarkable education. Herrera took his piano lessons so seriously that his talent led him to study under two of the instrument's living legends: Alicia de Larrocha and Aldo Ciccolini. This rigorous training provided him with a deep, technical understanding of performance that would later inform his curatorial perspective.

While his roots are in Spain, a crucial part of Herrera's development occurred in Paris. It was there, during his time in a residence, that his organizational talents began to surface. He started arranging concerts for his fellow residents, a small-scale endeavor that revealed a hidden talent for production and audience engagement. This grassroots experience was more than a hobby; it was a practical education in the art of bringing music to people.

The funds he raised from these intimate performances were not spent frivolously. Instead, he reinvested them into his own artistic growth, funding masterclasses with the world's finest professors. It was during this period that a critical realization dawned on him. He observed the landscape of classical music and concluded:

"There are many soloists, but outside of the stage, fresh ideas are missing."

This insight became his guiding principle, shifting his focus from a potential career as a performer to one as a visionary gestor cultural—a cultural manager capable of shaping the artistic landscape from behind the scenes.

Now in his first season as Artistic Director, Herrera is translating his philosophy into action. His agenda for the London Philharmonic is built on two core pillars: accessibility and relevance. He is determined to amplify the concert experience and actively reduce the distance between the orchestra and its public. This means rethinking everything from programming to staging to create a more immersive and welcoming environment for both seasoned patrons and new listeners.

Beyond audience engagement, Herrera is also committed to addressing pressing global issues. A key component of his inaugural season is a focus on environmental consciousness. By leveraging the power of orchestral music, he plans to conscientize audiences about climate change, proving that a concert hall can be a space for both sublime artistic expression and meaningful social dialogue. This forward-thinking approach aims to ensure the orchestra remains a vital cultural institution for decades to come.

Jesús Herrera's appointment represents a new chapter for the London Philharmonic, driven by a unique blend of deep musical training and a modern, outward-looking perspective. His journey from a small Spanish town to one of the world's most influential musical posts is a testament to his vision and determination.

• From Linares to London: A Spanish cultural manager has taken a top position at a world-renowned British orchestra.
• Performer to Producer: His background as a pianist, trained by legends, gives him a unique insight into the needs of musicians.
• Experience is Key: Herrera's primary goal is to break down barriers between the stage and the seats.
• Music with a Message: His programming will actively engage with contemporary challenges like climate change.