Thursday (8/30) on the Los Angeles Times blog Culture Monster, David Ng writes, “Conducting titles at the world’s top orchestras are often convoluted and mystifying. In the case of Sweden’s Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, a newly announced leadership change is baffling even by classical standards. For five years, Gustavo Dudamel has led the Gothenburg Symphony as its principal conductor. With his term set to expire this year, the orchestra said on Thursday that Dudamel is stepping down from that position and is assuming the role of ‘honorary conductor.’ The orchestra said it has named Kent Nagano as principal guest conductor and artistic advisor. Nagano’s role as artistic advisor begins immediately, said the orchestra. … It remains unclear if Nagano is technically succeeding Dudamel at Gothenburg. Nagano’s ‘guest conductor’ title, plus his shorter contract, suggests that he will carry less responsibility than Dudamel. Dudamel had served as principal conductor at Gothenburg since 2007. He is music director at the L.A. Philharmonic and the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra in Venezuela. Nagano serves as music director of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal. He previously held the top conducting position at the Bayerische Staatsoper Munich.”
Posted August 31, 2012
