CBSO’s new chief will conduct just 12 concerts
NewsWe reported yesterday that Montreal’s music director Rafael Payare was giving at least 30 concerts next season.
Today we learn that Kazuki Yamada in his opening full season at the helm of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra will conduct just 12 times. Not an outstanding exemplar of hands-on leadership.
Yamada says: ‘This season is extra special to me as I embark on my first full season as Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor of the CBSO and I’m thrilled that it is a season full of surprises, incredible music and human connection.’
Incoming CEO Emma Stenning says: ‘I can’t wait to dive into this season. For me, the chance to see Kazuki’s relationship with our players grow over time will be a real treat. There is clearly such a bond between our new Chief Conductor and the orchestra, which will surely
flourish in the months ahead, delivering some magnificent concerts along the way.’
How many concerts does the CBSO give? The OSM announced around 100 concerts, so 1/3 with the MD.
Exactly. Norman doesn’t seem to understand the North American practice of doing 2-3 performances of every program. CBSO generally does one performance of every program at home. Though the CBSO will probably take many of those programs on tour so Yamada will probably conduct more than 12 concerts.
I’ve just counted 57 orchestral concerts in the CBSO’s 2023-24 season brochure.
Yawn. Payare and Yamada both conduct 12 programs at home.
12 concerts sounds more like a principal guest conductor. The CBSO need a conductor who will live in the city and devote substantial time to the orchestra and community.
If he’s conducting 12 different programmes (with one concert each) it would be quite a lot. If he’s conducting 12 concerts in total (like 4-6 programmes) it would be quite little.
It’s pretty much the former, plus lots of touring.
Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor is NOT MUSIC DIRECTOR, which gives it less credence and therefore less commitment.
Kazuki is the BEST but its an emergency here as Managements so shit. The new woman knows f all about music; the Board Chair bankrupt city of culture and nobody knows why we aren’t seeing more of Kazuki. Maddock was bad but now its so much worse that players are worried for our jobs.
I have to really disagree about your comment about SM. He has done fantastic work at the helm of the CBSO
Kazuki is going to do a lot of touring with the CBSO and he has commitments in Japan and France which may explain why he is not more available for home concerts.
It is concerning that players are worried – I hope that it works out as things settle down.
Derek, I assure you “MOB” does not speak on behalf of all players.
I think the orchestra are happy with Kazuki and if you were at the concert today (and last Thursday) why this so. Also the orchestra will be touring Japan and 2 European tours as well as the Proms and Cheltenham Festival so the 12 concerts becomes a greater number immediately. You should all attend concerts and talk to the musicians
Bad grammar, dubious attitudes, unsubstantiated personal attacks, and you’re hiding behind the initials of a colleague who has nothing to do with your comments. This really isn’t a great look, you know.
Mate. Who are you? If you’re that worried about stuff just leave. I’m sure they’ll be alright without your constant complaining.
I’d rather have one Yamada concert for a hundred conducted by Payare. This man is excellent.
GASP! Guess what? I bet they’ll also have a work by a man in every concert.