Music director retires, at 67

Music director retires, at 67

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norman lebrecht

March 21, 2015

Barry Wordsworth has announced his retirement as music director from the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, after 26 years. His will become conductor laureate.

Barry remains music director of the Royal Ballet at Covent Garden.

barry wordsworth

Comments

  • Mark Mortimer says:

    Shame- attended many a stylish Sunday afternoon concert with Barry and the BPO, including a spectacular Rite of Spring several years back.

    I know that the Brighton have had financial woes. But is this the reason for Barry’s departure or just that he’s been there a long time- would be good to know?

  • Mark Mortimer says:

    Shame- attended many a stylish Sunday afternoon concert with Barry and the BPO, including a spectacular Rite of Spring several years back.

    I know the orchestra have had financial woes. But is this the reason for Barry’s departure or just that he’s been at the helm for a long time- would be good to know?

  • Michael Wilkinson says:

    His stated reason is simply that he feels it is time for a younger man. No one can doubt his commitment to the orchestra. He is scheduled to conduct 6 out of 8 concerts next season, and hopes to do 2 or 3 each season thereafter. He has been at pains to point out that he is not walking away from and orchestra he loves and has served with such distinction, through some lean as well as more prosperous times. In a time of flyaway conductors, it is interesting that he is only the third music director in 90 seasons, after Herbert Menges and John Carewe.

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