Daniel Harding is stepping down as principal guest conductor at the end of this season.
He will be replaced by François-Xavier Roth, who started out with the LSO as an assistant conductor in 2002. Today he is Generalmusikdirektor in Cologne.
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That is a genuinely gratifying appointment. FX-R is a terrific musician with a really wide range of musical sympathies, from Baroque to contemporary works. I also think that, as a relatively late developer (rather than an absurdly overpromoted wunder(?)kind), he’s got a lot to say about music and has learned his craft away from the spotlight a bit.
By all accounts, he’s also a very nice man and a humble guy to work with; all of which makes him the antithesis of the man whom he is replacing as principal guest conductor. I’d call this a very big step in the right direction.
Couldn’t agree more regarding FXR. Wonderful musician, a great appointment for the LSO.
Seconded – terrific musician and a very sweet guy. He once tole me that “you’re the man”. That was real nice of him. And then he conducted a stonking concert.
I could never understand the enthusiasm for Daniel Harding!
British? ‘One of our own’? Jingoism…
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That may be your shortcoming. He is a good conductor.
Much as I looked forward to Steven Isserlis’ recent recording of the Dvorak ‘cello concerto, I felt it was let down by the indifferent conducting of Harding. Having said that, I’ve been impressed by other recordings he’s made.
Harding conducted my worst Giovanni ever in Salzburg in 2006.
An addendum to your intro, Norman. FXR was also principal guest conductor with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales where he seemed to be well liked and highly thought of.