Mariss Jansons, 75
mainThe gentlest, least political of conductors will reach an age he never expected to see this weekend.
Mariss’s father, Arvid, died at 70 of a heart attack while conducting in Britain.
Mariss suffered a near-death experience of the same disease in Oslo in 1996, when he was 53.
Since then, he has gone on to direct the Pittsburgh Symphony, Concertgebouw and Bavarian Radio.
He is the supreme master of the perfect encore.
Alone among conductors, he hasn’t an enemy in the world.
Happy birthday, dear Mariss.
And an incredible Mahlerian.
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