Seven-year-old musician to conduct VSO at special Barbie: The Movie live music event
Check out this Vancouver Sun article by Stuart Derdeyn about Lauryn Press, who conducted the beginning of Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For” during the VSO’s Barbie The Movie: In Concert.
Read below or see the original article here.
Vancouver violinist Lauryn Press will take up the baton at the Orpheum Theatre on July 16 to conduct the Oscar-winning Billie Eilish song What Was I Made For
By Stuart Derdeyn
Vancouver violinist Lauryn Press. Photo: Jennie Press
Vancouver violinist Lauryn Press is setting down her bow and taking up the baton to conduct the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra for a special event on July 16.
Here’s the hook: Press is just seven years old.
A student at the VSO School of Music and the daughter of VSO second assistant concertmaster and school faculty instructor Jennie Press, the young musician will conduct the orchestra at the Barbie: The Movie Live In Concert event. Tickets are available at vancouversymphony.ca.
“It’s not something that I expected to be happening, with Lauryn to be performing in front of the VSO. Although I have always hoped that, one day, she would play alongside me onstage,” said Press. “I never imagined she would be on the podium!”
Press describes her daughter as “a courageous and open-hearted little girl.”
“And I am so proud of her,” she adds.
Jennie and Lauryn Press. Photo: Jennie Press
Lauryn will conduct the orchestra during the performance of Billie Eilish’s song What Was I Made For?
The tune won the best original song Oscar at the 96th Academy Awards. Barbie: The Movie Live in Concert is a special presentation by the VSO where the film is shown on the Orpheum Theatre’s large screen while the score is performed live.
The family-friendly event is intended for all-ages and attendees are encouraged to don their finest pink clothing or dress up as their favourite characters from the film.
We caught up with Lauryn Press in advance of her conducting gig:
Q: When did you start playing violin, Lauryn?
A: I took up the violin at age four. It was my mother’s decision to play it. She also plays violin and piano.
Q: What is it like studying at the VSO School of Music?
A: I study with Ashley Plout one lesson a week. Then there is daily practice. (“Hopefully daily,” says her mother.)
Q: You made you stage debut at the school’s Strings Festival recently. What did you perform?
A: I performed something by Schumann (the Two Grenadiers) and a waltz by Brahms. I haven’t ever conducted before, and I’m a little nervous. After this, I don’t have any other concerts coming up.
Q: Did you see the Barbie movie before this show?
A: Of course I saw it. And I really, really loved it.
Q: Was the moment when What Was I Made For? plays your favourite scene in the film?
A: No. My favourite part was where Barbie flipped over in her car and they were screaming ‘Aahhhh!’