In Tuesday’s (3/8) Boston Globe, Jeremy Eichler speculates about the Boston Symphony Orchestra music directorship in the wake of James Levine’s announced departure. “It’s also crucial that the BSO make smart decisions to reclaim its current and future direction … At the most basic level, what the orchestra needs right now is someone who will at once re-anchor and reboot the institution, bringing an infusion of vision, vigor, commitment, and inspiration. … The BSO’s official search committee is just now being formed so the field of potential candidates is as wide open as it will ever be. … Among the pack of young would-be contenders, there is considerable buzz at the moment around [Andris] Nelsons, a Latvian conductor who, at 32, currently leads the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Dubbed by the Guardian ‘the magician of Birmingham,’ he made a lavishly praised debut with the New York Philharmonic last month, and he is clearly a conductor rapidly on the rise. And thanks to a nice break from the scheduling gods, the BSO will soon be getting to know him. … He was free to step in as Levine’s replacement when the orchestra performs Mahler’s Ninth Symphony on March 17 in Carnegie Hall.”
Posted March 9, 2011
