Breaking: Herbert Blomstedt suffers a serious fall
OrchestrasThe Swedish conductor has cancelled all engagements ‘until further notice’.
Blomstedt, who is 96, was due to conduct Beethoven tonight in Hamburg, where he is replaced by Aivis Greters.
The Cleveland Orchestra, where he was due in February, has hired Jukka-Pekka Saraste as replacement: ‘Unfortunately, Maestro Blomstedt is currently being treated after a fall and has been advised by his doctors to cancel his concert engagements until further notice.’
We wish him a full recovery.
Sincere wishes for a speedy recovery to this remarkable artist!
Every good wish to Maestro Blomstedt.
For so long it has seemed that nothing is impossible when it comes to Blomstedt, and I am optimistic for his recovery. I wish everyone could have been in Orchestra Hall in Chicago when, at age 94 in 2022, he led Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4, standing for more than an hour and commanding a majestic throughline, profoundly colored and at times achingly delicate. Only the greatest visiting conductors can pop in and make the most of an orchestra’s capacities, but there he was, exploiting an extraordinary rapport. And although Blomstedt looked quite gaunt, he easily managed the podium, rarely using the safety bar behind him for support. The orchestra was acutely responsive to his fine distinctions of color and degree. Indeed, he captured all that is vaunted about the CSO.
I had similar Bruckner/Blomstedt experiences in Bamberg in 2019 (Sixth Symphony) and Berlin in 2017 (1873 Third with the Philharmonic). Great conductor.
He conducted that work in Helsinki as well in the March of 2022 with energy that would be beyond most of the conductors his junior.
Be well soon, Maestro!
I well remember meeting you at Tanglewood several years ago and the time that you graciously gave me to discuss music, especially your insights on conducting Bruckner.
Mr.Feskoe your experience with the Maestro is not unique. He chatted with me after the opening concert of the Leipzig Orchestra six years ago when he was still a boyish 90. He is a wonderful human being and I shall cherish my program signed “Best Wishes to a fellow Brucknerian”
With all due respect but no one should be advised to perform at such advanced an age. The risks are immense, not least to the performer. Hopefully his driver’s license and car keys have been taken away.
Perhaps his work as conductor has kept him healthy for so long, remembering Stokowski, and Monteux who reportedly insisted on a 10 year contract with the LSO at a similar age.
Monteux didn’t reach 90.
He tried to. Pretre and Haitink did very well. There are people who need to be active to stay alive.
Have you ever been to Beshoff’s fish and chip shop in Dublin?
But he had a joyful and productive journey! And the legacy continues. From his admirers at the Monteux School in Maine.
Perhaps your keyboard should be taken away as well.
I’ll agree he probably shouldn’t drive but conducting doesn’t really pose a hazard to anyone else and if I could die at an advanced age while conducting an A-list orchestra – or while tripping on the way to the podium – I’d take that deal.
Go to hell A.L!
The moon has been in Capricorn for the past two days, the sign opposite Mr Blomstedt’s sun sign – Cancer.
Please be very aware when the moon is in the opposite sign to your sun/birth sign, happens for 2-3 days every month. It can highlight issues and force matters.
When Mahler (birth sign Cancer) died on 18th May 1911, the moon was in the sign of Capricorn on both the 17th and 18th May, Capricorn being the opposite to his Cancer birth sign.
Rob! You’re a dumb a$$
And I thought he just had a dark puffy cloud hanging over his head.
I wish him all of the very best for his recovery but, perhaps, at the age of 96, it is time for him to retire??????
One of my favorite conductors. 96. Wish you a speedy recovery, sir .
“Breaking” and “Serious Fall”… I see what you did there Norman.
He’s a great one but time catches up with us all. He’s in his 90’s so he has done more than most. Get well soon, Maestro.
“Breaking: X falls” – a borderline case of insensitivity and humor.
It may be just me, but I just fail to see the humour.
While his great artistry has had me enthralled so many times, it’s important that self-preservation is top of the agenda. Get well soon Herbert Blomstedt.
At his age mobility is limited. What does expect
Master Herbert – POIESIS Conducted by you blew me away – recover quickly please, we miss you !
Send all good wishes and greetings to Mr. Blomstedt!
From the Samuelsson family.
Varme tanker og Guds velsignelse til deg, kjære Blomstedt.