Maestro move: Canadian takes New York
mainAfter the three-year battle with cancer, Bernard Labadie has been announced today as principal conductor of the Orchestra of St Lukes from 2018-19, succeeding Pablo Heras-Casado.
Labadie recently stepped down from the head of Les Violons du Roy, which he founded. He has been replaced there by Jonathan Cohen.
Labadie is without doubt a fantastic conductor. I like him very much!
He seemed to have some serious health issues in recent years though, which unfortunately forced him to cancel concerts that I eagerly intended to attend.
I hope this new appointment means that he has been fully recovered from his illness. And I wish him all the best for many more years of wonderful music making!
Bernard Labadie started his comeback in December 2015. I saw him last Saturday with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (Haydn L’isola disabitata Overture, Beethoven Triple and Mozart Jupiter) and there were no problems. Quick stride to the podium. He has, however, cultivated a new style, conducting seated with both arms active and no baton.
Mr Kaptainis, any word on whether he intends to continue to be the main conductor for the Violons du Roy choral concerts? As far as I know, he has some say of programming and choice for concerts involving the Chapelle de Québec.
https://slippedisc.com/2016/10/maestro-move-quebec-grabs-a-brit/
Sorry Emil, I just noticed I posted the wrong link in my first response. In the thread, the link to which i posted above, is the actual link I intended to post:
http://www.ledevoir.com/culture/musique/481687/classique-jonathan-cohen-succede-a-bernard-labadie
It’s an article by Christophe Huss, in which Bernard Labadie confirms that he will remain artistic director and conductor of the choir.
Wonderful man, wonderful musician! This is good news!
It’s also worth pointing out that Jonathan Cohen is a good choice for the succession at Les Violons.