Barenboim cancels opera night
OrchestrasThe music director of Berlin’s Staatsoper unter den Linden has withdrawn from Elektra on June 11.
The good news is that he is down to conduct again on the 15th.
Thomas Guggeis is on standby.
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And on June 8. Guggeis now does the first and last two. (last two originally planned that way)
I can’t believe he came back from his previous ailment – spinal surgery – so quickly. He’ll die during a performance at this rate
Well, now no DB on the 15th. Guggeis has taken over all the Elektras.
It’s really tragic to see ailing conductors hanging on and harming institutions in the process. Levine did it at the MET for many years, being nominally in charge while systematically cancelling late, leaving the MET scrambling. Barenboim, though his ailment is hopefully less severe and temporary, should do what’s best for the institution: cancel the whole run, get a replacement, and recover by next season.
And think about leaving his post – opera houses are heavy-work positions, and I do not believe for one second Barenboim (or other octogenarian MDs for that matter) is effectively running it. Retire, take on a festival, continue building up the Divan orchestra, flog your straight-string piano, run a Daniel & Friends recital series, give masterclasses, guest conduct, and become GMD emeritus. Enjoy life, and do the fun bit – conducting, playing, teaching, and leave the heavy day-to-day to fresher and younger MDs.
Legacy is all about knowing when to make a graceful exit, for the best of the institution and of oneself.
I just remembered he’s supposed to lead the Staatsoper’s marquee new Tcherniakov Ring in October-November: three full cycles in a month (+extensive rehearsals for a new production). That’s a massive undertaking for a healthy conductor; if Barenboim is serious about conducting the Rings, come on, pull out until then and get back to shape. And if he’s not at 100% health, withdraw now and hand it over to another conductor before it’s too late. Three prestige rings is nothing to gamble on a superman-ego.
In a perfect world, that might be the case. We would have been spared many embarrassments if some artists had you as an advisor.
In a world of Barenboims, Mutis, Eschenbachs (Eschenbaches?), be a Herbert Blomstedt.
In every respect, one might add.
We wish nothing but the best for Barenboim. However, who does the Staatsoper have in mind as cover conductor for their new Ring in October? It can’t possibly be Guggeis…
I hope they *do* have a cover, and that they’re not just praying for Barenboim to remain healthy and that he doesn’t cancel 10 days before the premiere.
No major conductor will be happy sitting on standby for a whole month. Those decisions need to be taken now.
Er, no. Guggeis is down for all of them.