The Limited Times

Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider the conductor who goes piano but sano

11/14/2022, 2:40:03 PM


The director of the Orchester national de Lyon will be in concert at the Philharmonie on 19 November. Trained by Daniel Barenboim, this Danish, renowned violinist, expresses a strong attachment to Vienna and its Jewish roots.

When you interview a conductor or a soloist, the meeting place is often the lounge of a grand Parisian hotel, in an atmosphere of hushed luxury.

Not so with Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider.

The musical director of the National Orchestra of Lyon, who is also one of the best violinists in activity, dreamed of discovering L'As du Fallafel, a small but legendary kosher restaurant in the Jewish quarter of the Marais, where one must queue in the street in the absence of possible reservation.

Immediately simple and direct, as if we had known each other forever, this bon vivant devoid of the slightest affectation begins by revealing himself to be a precious adviser in hummus, chawarma, dumplings, grilled peppers and pita bread.

It is true that this burly Dane, naturalized Israeli and of Polish origin, attaches great value to his roots.

“You don't know Jerusalem?

We have to go!

You feel religious there even without being a believer.”

This is what led him three years ago to change his…

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