In an unexpected career move, world-renowned British conductor, Daniel Harding, has decided to trade his baton for a set of airplane controls. Harding, who has enjoyed a successful career as a music director and conductor for orchestras around the globe, has decided to take his passion for aviation to the next level by becoming a commercial pilot for Air France.
Harding, aged 50, has been an active and prominent figure in the classical music scene since he was 20. He has worked with esteemed music ensembles such as the London Symphony Orchestra and the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra. However, music is not his only passion. Since childhood, Harding has cultivated a deep love for aviation, a passion that has grown alongside his musical career.
Although it may seem like a drastic career shift, Harding has been preparing for this transition for many years. He earned his pilot's license in 2004 and has frequently flown as a hobby. He even confessed in an interview that there were times he found himself daydreaming about cockpit controls while conducting an orchestra.
Music and aviation might appear to be vastly different fields, but Harding believes they share a common thread. Both require precision, intense focus, and a deep understanding of complex systems. The emotional connection he experiences while conducting an orchestra is mirrored in the sensation of flying a plane, he says.
For Harding, his new career as a commercial pilot doesn't mean he's leaving music behind. He plans to continue conducting part-time, striking a balance between his two passions. The move is more about embracing a new challenge and pushing his own boundaries, rather than giving up his love for music.
Harding's transition to aviation has been welcomed by Air France, who sees the value in having a pilot with such a unique background. His artistic sensibilities, combined with his technical skills, make him a valuable addition to their team. As he embarks on this new journey, Daniel Harding proves that it's never too late to pursue a passion and that a career change can be a harmonious blend of one's varied interests.