ARTIST SPOTLIGHT & Behind the Scenes with Leo Jaffrey - Principal Conductor of the RRO!

The excitement of preparing for a concert often remains hidden from the audience, but it is where the magic truly begins. Leo Jaffrey, principal conductor of the Romantic Revival Orchestra (RRO), offers a rare glimpse into the rehearsal process as the orchestra readies itself for its first concert of the season. This post explores Leo’s insights on working with the orchestra and composer Wiktor Wysocki, as well as the challenges and joys of preparing Mendelssohn’s ‘Scottish’ symphony. Learn a little more about Leo through not just his biography but through this post!

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Leo Jaffrey, Principal Conductor of the RR

Collaborating on Wysocki’s Concerto for Two Guitars

In April of 2023, the RRO debuted Wysocki’s Concerto for Two Guitars, a piece that quickly became a highlight of the season. This year, the orchestra is working on the second edition of the concerto, which features a much more sophisticated orchestration. Leo describes the process as a “real collaboration” between the composer and the orchestra.

The new edition introduces a variety of subtle colours and textures that require careful attention. Leo explains how teasing out these nuances demands close communication with both the composer and the musicians. This collaboration is often required in today’s classical music world, where rehearsals often focus on execution and creative input particularly when it comes to freshly commissioned music.

The concerto balances moments of intense virtuosity with delicate, tender passages. Leo is confident that the audience will experience this thrilling contrast during the upcoming performance. The rehearsal process involves:

• Exploring the dynamic range between powerful and soft sections

• Highlighting the interplay between the two guitar soloists and the orchestra

• Refining timing and phrasing to enhance emotional impact

  
  

This hands-on approach allows the orchestra to bring out the full depth of the composers vision.

Preparing Mendelssohn’s ‘Scottish’ Symphony

The second half of the concert features Mendelssohn’s ‘Scottish’ symphony, a piece known for its rich textures and solo opportunities. Leo describes preparing a symphony as a “tremendous balancing act” because it requires managing many different parts that must work together seamlessly.

Mendelssohn’s symphony offers moments where individual musicians shine, especially in the cello section. Leo highlights the “gorgeous, singing melodies” that recur throughout the piece, giving cellists a chance to express themselves fully. Balancing these solos with the full ensemble’s powerful tutti sections is one of the main challenges during rehearsals.

Key rehearsal focuses include:

• Pacing the music to allow soloists to stand out without losing momentum

• Ensuring smooth transitions between solo and ensemble passages

• Maintaining energy and cohesion across the orchestra

  
  

Leo and the orchestra work carefully to bring out the emotional depth and technical brilliance of Mendelssohn’s work.

The Importance of the Rehearsal Process

Rehearsals are more than just practice; they are where the orchestra and conductor build a shared understanding of the music. Leo emphasises that working closely with the composer and musicians creates a unique environment where ideas flow freely and the music evolves.

This process requires patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to experiment. Musicians must listen to each other and respond to subtle cues, while the conductor shapes the overall interpretation. The result is a performance that feels alive and authentic.

For the Romantic Revival Orchestra, rehearsals are also a chance to deepen connections within the group. Leo notes that these moments of collaboration strengthen the ensemble’s unity and passion for the music.

Looking Forward to the Concert

As the rehearsal period draws to a close, anticipation builds for the concert. Leo expresses his excitement to share these works with the audience, confident that the hard work will pay off. The combination of Wiktor Wysocki’s innovative concerto and Mendelssohn’s timeless symphony promises an evening full of contrast, emotion, and musical brilliance.

Attending this concert offers a chance to experience not only the final performance but also the story of collaboration and dedication behind it. The rehearsal process reveals how much care goes into every note and phrase, making the music resonate deeply with listeners.

Ngā mihi nui from Leo Jaffrey, and the Romantic Revival Orchestra

A little more about Leo:

New Zealand born conductor Leo Jaffrey began his musical career as a baritone saxophonist in a trad-style Swing Band. Moving on to the Tenor, and then to Alto, his fascination with music grew in a classical direction, leading him to study composition with aspirations to become a film composer. After scoring two short films and completing his degree in composition, conducting became his full-time focus and he quickly finished two postgraduate conducting courses, one at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and the later at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. 

Alongside his ongoing work with a variety of school and community-based ensembles, he has worked with several professional groups including the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Auckland Philharmonia, the Orchestra of the Swan, and the Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir. He has learnt from, and assisted conductors such as Dr. Karen Grylls, Daniele Rosina, Michael Seal, Hamish McKeich, Gemma New, James Judd, Dr. Kevin Cameron, and Tecwyn Evans. 

Augmenting his freelance conducting, Leo is also currently working on two commissions as well as a chamber opera, and some commissioned arrangements. He regularly appears as a chorister at the Oratory of St. Philip Neri, and has a position as a lay clerk at the St Chad's Cathedral. When not waving his arms or singing in church, Leo is an avid hiker and enjoys 'getting out into the bush to see some nature'.