Germany’s next music director will be British

Germany’s next music director will be British

News

norman lebrecht

February 28, 2022

The Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra has chosen Jonathan Darlington as its next Chief Conductor, starting in September.

Darlington, 65, is former head of Vancouver Opera in Canada and of the Duisburg Philharmonic Orchestra.

He will succeed the less experienced Mahler Conducting Competition winner Kahchun Wong, who is 35.

photo Tim Mattheson

Comments

  • Ben G. says:

    A very nice guy and excellent conductor, who used to be a Violist at the back of his section- (can’t remember which orchestra)

    Maybe some of you might disagree, but in my opinion the best conductors are those who once played in an orchestra. .

    • ruben Greenberg says:

      Haitink and Giulini were both rank-and-file players. It also helps to have extensive opera and ballet experience, which Mr. Darlington has. Great choice for Nuremberg!

    • Thomas M. says:

      Orchestral players usually have more respect for conductors who were orchestra members themselves, not just “career conductors”.

  • Rich C. says:

    Slightly off-topic, but I had a brief one day visit to Nuremberg several years back and cannot recommend it enough. Especially those interested in WW2 history. I also heard a concert in Nuremberg Hall, a very forgettable venue I regret to say.

  • dorset dick says:

    does anyone know what justin brown is up to, he had a successful time at karlsruhe but Ihave not heard of anything since.

    • pjl says:

      he is doing TOTE STADT in England (Longborough) and THE CONSUL in Argentina
      I knew him when I was his English teacher 1979-80!
      Highlights in the current season include his debuts with Teatro Colón Buenos Aires and Teatr Wielki Poznań, as well as returns to Welsh National Opera and Longborough.

  • In bocca al lupo says:

    Great choice, great guy, wonderful musician

  • Anthony Sayer says:

    Good choice.

  • Elsa says:

    Nuremberg does not equate “Germany”

  • Leonard Ratzlaff says:

    It should be noted that Darlington also led the National Youth Orchestra of Canada for many years.

  • Kman says:

    Hopefully the new guy won’t pull shenanigans like this: https://youtu.be/IqhQSozZbw8?t=131

  • David says:

    They’re very lucky to have him. Delightful human, sensitive musician, and entirely worthy. Great choice!

  • Roger Sweet says:

    Andre Previn was always my favourite

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