Paul Smaczny’s new feature-length film offers a rare insight into the remarkable life and career of living legend, Herbert Blomstedt

Herbert Blomstedt is omnipresent on the concert stages of this world; to this day, the 95-year-old continues to tour the globe as a conductor of numerous top orchestras. His esprit for conducting, his art, musical ethics, and empathy in dealing with people in general and with orchestra musicians, in particular, have long since made him a living legend.

The feature-length film portrait “When Music Resounds, the Soul Is Spoken To” was created between his 90th and 95th birthdays. It accompanies Herbert Blomstedt in his work with selected orchestras, which are representative of the many international ensembles he has either led or with which he still works with regularly and observes the gifted communicator during rehearsals and concerts.

Blomstedt vividly conveys his clear interpretive ideas, turning every orchestra rehearsal into an experience. “When Music Resounds, the Soul Is Spoken To” also illuminates the career of the American-born cosmopolitan. The film deliberately avoids statements by third parties; only the exceptional artist himself has his say. As an exciting discourse on life philosophies, musical life and experiences as a musician, the film is a portrait of an unpretentious artist who has decisively shaped the classical music world for decades and continues to do so to this day.

As an exciting discourse on life philosophies, musical life and experiences as a musician, the film is a portrait of an unpretentious artist who has decisively shaped the classical music world for decades and continues to do so to this day.

With the participation of: Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Staatskapelle Dresden, Wiener Philharmoniker, NHK Symphony Orchestra, Göteborg Symphony Orchestra, Lucerne Festival Orchestra, Dresdner Kammerchor and Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra.