Daniel Harding: The 5-Minute Interview
'I hope people will judge me on my performance, not on my age'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Daniel Harding, 30, is opening the season at La Scala today with a performance of Mozart's "Idomeneo"
To be the first British conductor and the youngest to inaugurate a season at La Scala is...
I am very proud but I hope people will judge me on the quality of the performance, not on my age or nationality.
I'm most looking forward to...
A great team of singers, a wonderful orchestra and a beautiful production and, like everyone else, I'm looking forward to enjoying the show.
If I wasn't talking to you right now I'd be...
Grabbing a nap in the back of a cab.
A phrase I use far too often is...
"Sorry I'm late."
I wish people would take more notice of...
Moving out of the way at the top of escalators.
The most surprising thing that ever happened to me was...
Finding I could afford a house and that someone let me buy it.
A common misperception of me is...
That I conduct everything fast.
I'm not a politician but...
I don't want to say anything undiplomatic.
I'm very bad at...
Giving clever answers to impromptu questions.
In moments of weakness I...
Give in to the usual vices.
You know me as a conductor, but in truer life I'd have been...
A guy who always had ideas but did nothing about them.
The best age to be is...
A baby because it's the only time when people actively encourage you to sleep longer.
In a nutshell, my philosophy is:
Keep an open mind.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments