Malavika Gopal has the distinction of being the only Indian-origin member of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO). Born in Palakkad in Kerala, she migrated with her parents, Gopal and Leela, to NZ at the age of one.
It was in kindergarten that she got her first exposure to western classical music. Malavika recalls going through a range of instruments before settling for the violin.
As the 1st Violin of the NZSO, Malavika is one of a select group of around 16 such violinists in the orchestra who play the main tunes or melodies. The 2nd Violins play a supporting role to the other instruments. “They often provide inner rhythms and the harmonies to the melodies. They provide the inner richness and fullness to the music alongside many other instruments,” Malavika explains.
To the uninitiated, a symphony orchestra is made up of four sections: strings, woodwind, brass and percussion. There are around twelve 1st Violins, ten 2nd Violins, along with around eight violas, eight cellos and six double basses. Every piece requires a slightly different number specified by the era or composer. The 1st Violin section is led by the Concertmaster, who is seated close to the conductor and is responsible for tuning the orchestra and leading along with the conductor.
Malavika has been with NZSO for eight years now. The NZSO being a Crown entity, the orchestra members are paid a salary. But the discipline is gruelling. Rehearsals can stretch for hours. Standards are strictly upheld under the keen eye of the Concertmaster.
Like any violinist, Malavika has a deep bond with her instrument. Professional violinists with the NZSO buy their violins with their own resources. Currently, she has a French violin, but covets one of Italian make that comes with a price tag that is unaffordable for now.
It has been hectic getting to where Malavika finds herself in her career as a professional violinist. Since graduating in music from the University of Auckland, she has played in different settings internationally. The standing ovation, indeed raucous applause, she and other members of the orchestra received following a performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London has stayed with her. “It was like a rock show. They were going crazy,” she recalls.
In a more sombre vein, Malavika observes that the engagement with classical western music in European capitals is on a scale seldom encountered in other parts of the world. But she is most at home performing to audiences in Aotearoa, whether playing chamber music before a small audience of 100 or performing in a symphony orchestra in packed halls that seat over a 1000.
The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra marked the 75th year of its existence early this month. But the on-site programmes before a live audience were called off owing to restrictions imposed by the pandemic and live streamed instead.
Malavika is set to perform in an online concert on Sunday, March 20 at 5pm, which can be viewed on https://www.tikstream.com/anzfa/Event/chamber-music-spectacular