Mexico picks the right conductor
NewsThe National Symphony Orchestra of Mexico has named Ludwig Carrasco as its new artistic director.
He succeeds Carlos Miguel Prieto, who held the baton for 15 years, and he is recknoned by cognoscenti to be the best available, which is not always the case in Mexican appointments.
Here’s the rather florid announcement:
The National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (Inbal) has concluded the process of consultation, dialogue and definition of the replacement of the Artistic Direction, as well as a new work program aimed at strengthening the National Symphony Orchestra (OSN).
With the definition of the new Artistic Direction, which will now be headed by maestro Ludwig Carrasco, a new stage begins in this musical group. Mtro Carrasco was appointed by the director general of the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature, Lucina Jiménez López, in use of the powers granted to her by the decree creating the Institute, after conducting a dialogue process that began during the health contingency for COVID-19 and that it will continue during this new period.
The dialogue promoted by the Institute with members of the musical group was not only focused on appointing a replacement in the Artistic Direction of the OSN, after the conclusion of a 15-year cycle under the baton of maestro Carlos Miguel Prieto, but also towards the elaboration and analysis of a project that allows strengthening the role of the Orchestra, as the main musical group in Mexico, expanding its national scope, strengthening its links with other musical systems, with youth in the process of training, with the schools of its own Inbal, instance of the Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico, as well as the promotion of the relationship of the OSN with musical diversity in the country.
Through its various collegiate bodies, including a Transition Commission that was formed to have channels for participation, members of the OSN have worked closely with different instances of the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature. The dialogue intensified due to the pandemic, since the group and institution collaborated on several virtual projects, in addition to updating the website and the different tools aimed at disseminating relevant actions that took place during the 2020 and 2021 cycles.
How could they have overlooked such a talent as Alondra de la Parra?
Or maybe she said no to them, instead holding out to become the next MD of the Staatskapelle Dresden.
She is not that good. She has a rich family that’s why she gets her gigs.
Dunst, sometimes sarcasm doesn’t come across in messages.
The man on the pic isn´t Mr.Prieto
He is definitively a wonderful conductor and I am sure he will do a wonderful work at OSN
How can he be the best choice when he’s an unknown name
to most classical music fans in Mexico? What are his credentials in Mexico and abroad? I can’t think of him directing an important international orchestra. Please enlighten me… anyone
Maybe you do not know about Google? Takes less time than typing your comment. Please allow me to enlighten you, since it appears you never set foot in a concert hall (hence, he is unknown to you):
https://www.ludwigcarrasco.com/
For the sake of Mexican concertgoers, one must hope maestro Carrasco will carry on his new duties as head of OSN in a more direct and down-to-earth style than the PR people who penned this convoluted and empty comunicado.
I mean, supposing he’ll have some time left to rehearse and get to know his musicians, after all the comissions, dialogues, consultations and processes (whatever) that seem to await his close attention.
Has anyone ever seen this orchestra perform live? Truly an experience like none other…
…played in it. Is this sarcastic?
Mtro. Ludwig Carrasco is a fine violinist and a great musician. I am sure it will be a good match with OSN as their new Artistic Director
What are his credentials? It’s hard to find any Mexican conducting gigs let alone international. My sources in Mexico tell me he was hand picked due to his political party affiliation rather than his musical background, which is close to non existent.
LOL, after reading your comment I got curious and visited his website. You should really read his bio. 4 music degrees in the US and Europe are “close to non existent” musical background for you? I went to his calendar section and counted over 40 concerts in 2022 alone. I also searched about the process, and was able to find that the orchestra supported his designation, and was not hand-picked. It seems to me that your sources in Mexico and you are bitter for some other reason!