Germans renew rising conductor to 2025
mainCristian Măcelaru has been extended as chief conductor of the WDR Symphony Orchestra by an extra three years until 31 July 2025.
WDR programme director Valerie Weber said: ‘With his personality and an unusually broad repertoire that ranges from Bach right up to contemporary music, he has made such a convincing impression in his first year that we would like to keep him for longer in North Rhine Westphalia and at our orchestra.’
Măcelaru, 40, was recently named music director of the Orchestre National de France from next year.
Macerlaru played in Paris a few years ago, and I remember feeling: this is one to watch.
My ears decided immediately.
Cristian’s star already was in ascendancy when, as a student, he would readily demonstrate Paganini’s 24th Caprice to my music appreciation students – each technique revealed to cause awe among students with no knowledge of the violin. His subsequent career has grown in part due to his uncanny sense of sharing his musicianship with fellow professionals and with publics far and wide…always in the friendliest manner.
Măcelaru is one of the finest musicians and human beings to stand on a podium today. The WDR Symphony Orchestra snatched him up before others did. Coup-dos to Cologne.
One down vote on each of the four positive posts. Jealousy shows in the smallest of ways. And minds.
He won a Grammy along with Nicola Benedetti for a recording of Wynton Marsalis’ Violin Concerto with the Philadelphia Orchestra. He has the talent and dedication to excel with his orchestras in Germany and France.
He conducted in Montreal and I thought he was a leading contender to be the next music director.
He was a protégé of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, I believe – unlikely to cross to the OSM (even if he guest conducted once or twice).