The 10th Hamamatsu piano competition was won by Can Cakmur, 21.

Noriko Ogawa chaired the jury.

Cakmur won the 2017 Scottish Piano Competition.

A new interview (in English) with Deutsche Welle:

And there’s more here auf Deutsch. Take your shtick.

The arrangements have been announced. Levine was immensely popular the the entire strings world.

Levine’s funeral will be held on Monday, 17th December 2018 – 1pm at The Guildford Crematorium GU7 3DB, followed by a wake at The Exhibition Hall, King Edward’s School, Witley GU8 5SG.

Message from Ramon Ortega:

Dear everyone,
After hearing so many wrong comments about why I have resigned on my position with the LA Phil, I would like to write that, on my case, there is not only one reason why I have decided this way. Anyone who lives such an experience will understand that.

I would love to thank the LA Phil for a marvelous time these past months. It is an experience I will never forget.

I am specially grateful to my collegues on the wind section, maestro Dudamel and all LA Phil staff who have just supported and made me have a great time in LA!

I am very sad that it lasted so short, but that is life. I ask for respect on my personal motives.

I wish the LA Phil the brightest future and all the best on their 100 anniversary season.
They are a fantastic orchestra and I will truly miss them.

A notice below went up backstage last night at the Royal Opera House announcing that Tim Hugh, principal cello of the London Symphony Orchestra, is joining Covent Garden.

Tim was a Valery Gergiev loyalist at the LSO. He may feel less happy under the Rattle regime or he may simply have opted for a quieter, better paid, less travelled life.

Although he does not start officially at ROH until next September, he has committed to play as many guest slots there as he can until then.

photo: LSO

UPDATE: Tim Hugh responds:

Hi. I must make absolutely clear that I have total admiration and respect for Sir Simon Rattle who I have enjoyed working with for several years. There is no one better than him to take the LSO forwards and create the right conditions for a great orchestra. I enjoy my job there and I’m looking forward to playing new operatic repertoire after 30 years of orchestral rep. I’ve hugely enjoyed playing some of the Ring cycle with Sir Anthony Pappano and been impressed by the great warmth and musicality of the ROH orchestra.

From a new documentary on the Shanghai String Quartet.