Editor’s note: While it is already old news, I still wanted to acknowledge Maestro Levine’s resignation from the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
On March 2nd, James Levine announce that he will step down from his position as Music Director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The decision comes after chronic health issues prevented him from consistently leading the ensemble.
Levine will remain at the Metropolitan Opera, stating that his familiarity with the organization and the dynamic he has created there allow him to maintain his post despite health problems. Not only does he live in New York, but after 40 years with the Met, Levine has created a well oiled machine in which he is but the final cog. Comparatively, the burden of symphonic directorship in a new city requires more than he can commit to consistently provide.
Read the full article at the New York Times
Posts Tagged ‘conductor’
Levine to Resign from Boston Symphony
Philadelphia Names Yannick Nézet-Séguin Music Director
pronounced nay-ZAY say-GHEN
The Philadelphia Orchestra has appointed Yannick Nézet-Séguin as the next music director—its first since Christopher Eschenbach stepped down in 2006. Until now, Charles Dutoit acted as Chief Conductor while the orchestra negotiated a period of nebulous leadership. Nézet-Séguin will begin a seven year contract immediately under the title “music director designate,” and after two seasons will assume the full role of music director starting in 2012-2013. View Full Article »
New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Gets New Maestro
The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra announced that Jacques Lacombe will succeed Neeme Järvi as music director. The 46 year old French Canadian is joining the organization during a period of frozen wages and a reduced concert schedule with the intent of revitalizing both orchestra and audience.
Lacombe says that in order to invigorate the classical scene a conductor must be inventive with his programming. While his preferences lean towards 19th century repertoire with 20th century classics, Lacombe remains fluid with his vision, saying that he doesn’t “want to be labeled,” and that he is still “discovering things.”
While the Ledger regards Lacombe as “untested,” he has many conducting credits including the Met. Where Jäarvi brought experience and renown, Lacombe will hopefully bring new energy and perspective.
Source: The Star Ledger
Newsweek: Classical Music’s Version of Dodgers vs. Yankees: A Youthquake Hits Both Coasts
California Remains Attached
Before the Dodgers relinquished their chance at the Series, Newsweek featured an article capitalizing on the potential bi-coastal competition and profiled the two conductors who recently claimed their coasts: Alan Gilbert and Gustavo Dudamel. Author Seth Colter Walls asserts that the LA and NY Philharmonics are not in competition, but instead share the goal of bringing conductors’ names into American—even international—homes.
Citing that both conductors have already commissioned and premiered works by well known composers, Walls indicates the pair intend to, and are capable of renewing interest in new music and bringing young audiences to concert halls. Click to read the Newsweek article containing the words “buttress” and “contemporaneity.”
Guardian Writer Says Conductors Are Overpaid And Not Needed
Several People Not Pleased
A recent article by Phillippa Ibbotson of the Guardian (UK) about the growing salaries of classical conductors has been catching significant buzz. The topic, which has been discussed since before Normal Lebrecht published “The Maestro Myth,” (a book chronicling the shady practices sometimes taken by conductors and their agents to perpetuate ever-increasing salaries), Ibbotson attempts to tackle the issue with what can only be explained as naivety and a lack of facts.
AUTHOR’S DISCLAIMER: In general, I try to avoid sounding upset displeased pissed off angry in my writing. However, after speaking with many of my colleagues, and taking several cool off breaks, I decided to give this article what I feel is a proper response. If you would like to read the original article then hit the link after the jump. Big thanks to the extensive comment thread at the Guardian for some good laughs!
While attempting to compare the conductor to the instrumentalists of an ensemble, Ibbotson’s argument rapidly turns into an attack on the maestro’s importance in a symphony orchestra. What started as the simple question “are conductors overpaid?” quickly turned into “are they even needed?” She even goes as far as to cite Bruce Forsyth’s recent acceptance of a pay-cut as an example for conductors to follow. Yes, that’s the same Forsyth that hosted The Price Is Right and Strictly Come Dancing, the comparison is beyond me. Let’s get right to some of the finer points of Ibbotson’s article:
View Full Article »
Gilbert’s Trip to Cuba Squashed by State Gov
Somehow not surprised
I don’t even know what to say about this one. My understanding of the situation is still somewhat unclear. Apparently, Alan Gilbert, the New York Philharmonic, and “patrons” of the orchestra were scheduled to take a trip to Cuba next month. Notice that little detail at the end?
While the State Department was fine with the newly appointed Maestro and his ensemble making the trip, they were not too excited about 150 wealthy New Yorkers going on a vacation which ordinary U.S. Citizens are not allowed to make.
With the exception of the New York Times (which may or may not have helped propel Gilbert into the driver’s seat in a similar fashion to Sir Simon Rattle’s rise with the Berlin Philharmonic), Gilbert’s opening night performance was met with less than stellar reviews. While the Times praised the rhythmic integrity of his performance, most others called him unenthusiastic and “lacking in charisma”.
View Full Article »
YOLA Dudamel! LA Phil Opens Season at Hollywood Bowl
In his first public appearance as Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, the poster child of El Sistema, walked on stage at the Hollywood Bowl Saturday afternoon to a crowd of 18,000. Greeted by tremendous applause, he raised his baton and gave his first downbeat… to 200 children from southern Los Angeles.
Sporting a “YOLA” t-shirt, the Maestro conducted the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles’s undoubtedly most important concert yet. YOLA was founded two years ago, inspired by El Sistema—the highly successful Venezuelan music education system based on the Suzuki Method. YOLA has been much more than a prototype for the future of music education; it has already changed the lives of both orchestra members and their families.
View Full Article »
Not So Warm Welcome for Gatti
New York misses Levine
The beginning of Fall has different meanings for everyone. Some love the changing colors, the cooler temperatures, or as is the case with this writer, the exodus of summer tourism from New York City. All kidding aside, the beginning of the concert season for the country’s major orchestras and opera companies is always an interesting sight. Opening night reviews can truly make or break a career season. The introduction of Gustavo Dudamel with the Los Angeles Philharmonic was met with spectacular reviews, much as Alan Gilbert with the New York Philharmonic.
Unfortunately, not all welcomes are quite so warm… View Full Article »