Leslie Suganandarajah

When were you first enchanted by (musical) theatre in your life? And what was it that enchanted you? 

I was consciously enchanted during a dress rehearsal of The Magic Flute at my first job. I had the feeling that, for a few moments, I was immersed in a completely different world (dimension) and away from reality. Even before that, theatre had always fascinated me. 

Why do people sing and why don't they speak?

Singing (even without lyrics) touches people more directly. Emotions are conveyed directly and have a greater range of expression in singing. The lyrics support the comprehensibility of the content. Therefore, it is only of secondary importance whether one speaks and understands the language in which the song is sung. Of course, it is also beneficial if one understands the lyrics. 

What role can/should (musical) theatre play in today's society?

Musical theatre can address current social issues. It offers the opportunity to discuss topics in a safe space without anyone feeling immediately accused or attacked. This is precisely why an experience at the theatre can encourage us theatregoers to think and reflect afterwards. Theatre also gives us insights into foreign cultures that we would not otherwise encounter in our everyday lives. This, in turn, can help us develop empathy and understanding. 

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Born in

Colombuthurai (Sri Lanka)

Education

Studied music at the University of Music in Hanover, the capital of Lower Saxony Studied piano (diploma) with Jacques Ammon and conducting with Gerd Müller-Lorenz Studied conducting (diploma) at the University of Music ‘Franz Liszt’ in Weimar with Gunther Kahlert, Nicolas Pasquet and Anthony Bramall  

Important Engagements  

• From 2012/13: Kapellmeister at the Theater Koblenz
• From 2017: Kapellmeister at the Landestheater Linz
• Since 2019: Music Director at the Landestheater Salzburg (Lohengrin, Aida, Les pêcheurs de perles, Anthropozän)
• 2024: Eutin Festival (Freischütz)
• Various concerts with the Berliner Konzerthausorchester, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra (UK), the MDR Symphony Orchestra and the London Mozart Players (UK), Oslo Radio Symphony Orchestra (Norway) and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (Canada) 

Formative collaboration with these artists

Peter Konwitschny, Roland Schwab, Peter Breuer, Hermann Schneider

Debut and important works at Volksoper Wien

Conductor Aschenbrödels Traum (Season 2025/26)

Website

https://www.lesliesuganandarajah.com/ 

* Use of the photograph (© Matthias Baus) solely for the purpose of current reporting on the Vienna Volksoper.