Just in: Royal Philharmonic name new manager
mainIan Maclay has been saying for years he’s ready to leave the challenging task of finding work for London’s fifth-ranked orchestra.
The RPO have now, finally, named his successor – a bloke from the Philharmonia.
That’s exciting.
Read here
And it leaves the Philharmonia still searching for some other bloke to succeed David Whelton, who is retiring in two months’ time.
You can rank London’s orchestras anyway you like, however, only after hearing an RPO Festival Hall concert for example can you be sure you know the standard of this orchestra and that you will be wrong in the above weak, searching for something to say statement, which, as well as undeserving, is just a bit mean really, isn’t it?
Big news for RPO, which I’m sure the classical music world will watch more closely as it begins a new era. And, if you’ve met James Williams, you’ll realise just how exciting this is. No need for the sarcasm.
The Royal Philharmonic is a very good band. Hope their new manager works out.
It is silly to rank London Orchestras, as their funding structures (and options) are wildly different.
The R.P.O is still the most famous orchestral brand in Britain. Due to funding, running it is perhaps more challenging than running other London Orchestras. Anybody who is good enough to do that at a young age deserves our serious respect! Well done James and good luck!
Who are the four better orchestras?
ENO (obviously), followed by the OAE, ROH, ORR?
Isn’t it reasonable to assume that at some time in the last year this guy had the choice of running The Royal Philharmonic or the Philharmonia and his choice would indicate that he obviously doesn’t agree with your rankings!