Seattle takes its next boss from Scotland

Seattle takes its next boss from Scotland

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norman lebrecht

June 19, 2018

Krishna Thiagarajan has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of the Seattle Symphony, starting September.

 

He is presently head of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, which is on the phone to the headhunters as we write. He leaves after only three years.

What’s Seattle got that Glasgow lacks?

And another thing: Glasgow’s incoming music director is the Dane, Thomas Søndergård. Seattle’s is the Dane, Thomas Dausgaard, who is also chief of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

Was this appointment made in Denmark? Or over a Danish in Glasgow? Is this some kind of Hamlet sub-plot?

Also: Seattle’s last chief, Simon Woods, was previously head of the RSNO. Altogether too cosy.

Comments

  • Daniel says:

    The simple fact is that it is a terrific opportunity to run a great orchestra on the west coast of the USA, where some of his family is based.

  • Eric says:

    Seattle is a wonderful city, with a wonderful orchestra. Given that this executive has been on the rise for some time, it seems like a great fit for a leader looking for his next step with a larger orchestra in a wonderful environment. Good all around!

  • MacroV says:

    Haven’t been to Glasgow, but I grew up in Seattle. As others said, great city, terrific orchestra, top-notch hall, and well-regarded incoming MD. Expensive city, but he’ll be paid well enough to afford it. Just suggest he get a condo downtown so he can avoid the traffic.

  • Barry Guerrero says:

    I like the Hamlet sub-plot. At some point, they’ll all skype Hamlet’s soliloquy simultaneously.

    Seriously, it’s a trifecta: great hall, great orchestra and great city (with a great deal of traffic).

  • Larry says:

    There’s a great restaurant for him to eat at, right across the street from Benaroya Hall.

    http://www.thebrooklyn.com

  • Iain Scott says:

    What an ill informed post on so many levels

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