Laurent Ben Slimane
This interview took place in January 2006.
Were your parents musical?
No, not at all, although now they are very much music-lovers!
What has been the highlight of your Philharmonia Orchestra career to date?
A concert at the Royal Albert Hall with soloist Angela Georgiu because the atmosphere was staggering! As well as the European tour with Esa-Pekka Salonen in November 2005, as it was my first tour with the Orchestra and I returned with many great memories!
What is your favourite piece of music?
Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 3
What music do you listen to in the car?
Anything except classical music! I like all sorts of music, particularly Cuban music, Klezmer, traditional Irish music...
What is your favourite drink?
Beer - and whisky!
When do you have time off how do you relax?
I try and catch up with my friends, and when I have the time, I love sailing.
If you weren't a musician what would you be?
I don't know exactly, but perhaps a job connected to the sea. Maybe a skipper!
Which is your favourite concert hall and why?
The Teatro la Fenice in Venice for its beauty and history.
What do you remember most about your audition or trial period for your Philharmonia job?
My first day on trial because I was so impressed by the orchestra's playing, and the day I got the job because it was at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, and so I was able to celebrate it with all my family and friends!
What are you reading at the moment?
La douce empoisonneuse by Arto Paasilinna
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Anywhere - but I love marine landscapes, and I find countries such as Norway and Ireland particularly attractive.
What is your most prized possession?
Not very original, but it's all my clarinets!!
What is your favourite word?
"Ailleurs" en Francais! Because it's also the name of my band in Paris!!
