Baton changes at the LSO

Baton changes at the LSO

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norman lebrecht

March 07, 2017

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.

Comments

  • Tom says:

    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.

    • Sarah says:

      Couldn’t agree more regarding FXR. Wonderful musician, a great appointment for the LSO.

      • Tom says:

        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.

  • Sue says:

    I could never understand the enthusiasm for Daniel Harding!

  • Robert Roy says:

    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.

  • Peter Phillips says:

    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.

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