How to build a conductor from the ground up

Our eye-popping discussion of footwear for orchestras has led, inexorably, to the question of maestros and their mules. What is the current benchmark in podium puppies? Who wears Lully loafers? Which is the best shod baton of them all?

Maestros, you are going to have to walk a long, long way to beat the immaculate  Christopher Bell, Chorus Master of the Edinburgh Festival Chorus, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Junior Chorus, the Belfast Philharmonic Choir and, in the US, of the chorus at the Grant Park Music Festival in Chicago.

One of his soaring mezzos, Beena David, has sent us a selection from maestro’s foot locker.

Must be Ein Deutsches Requiem Day.

Sock it to us, Maestro!

A teeny bit more pianissimo?

Oh, those boots are not made for walking. They make serious music.