Breaking: British baton bounces back
OrchestrasThe Bournemouth Symphony is about to announce Mark Wigglesworth as its next chief conductor, succeeding Kirill Karabits later this year.
Wigglesworth, 59, has paved a zig-zag career path.
He served one term, 1996-2000, with BBC National Orchestra of Wales. He was named music director of La Monnaie in Brussels in 2008 but never took up the post. He became music director of English National Opera in September 2015, resigning seven months later. In each and every instance there was an issue of principle involved.
Bournemouth, though, might be an inspired choice. It’s a bedrock orchestra of good musicians who enjoy discovering new music and tolerate no b-s from passing batons.
He will be joined by former Dudamel assistant Chloé van Soeterstède as principal guest conductor.
Photo by Mark Allan/BSO
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You can’t just appoint a man anymore without a woman by his side…look at all the orchestras with a male MD and a female principal guest.
Also true: a woman can’t get a conducting job without someone pointing out her gender. She’s absolutely brilliant! A bit insulting that ‘former dudamel fellow’ as her only noteworthy feature. Every great conductor learned somewhere once upon a time.
Two great choices; in Portsmouth one can get a decent seat (for sound) for under £10
I saw him – to my shame, for the first time – conduct in Paris a few weeks ago. A truly exceptional, refined conductor. It was really very inspiring.
First heard of him with his “Don Giovanni” recordings and greatly enjoyed his Shostakovich recordings.
Talk about two musical entities meeting at the right time: Bournemouth and Wigglesworth seem like a perfect match!
Very good appointment. In the last few years especially, Mark has shown himself a marvellous conductor, I have never understood why he seemed to continually slip under the radar. Terrific appointment for both parties.
An excellent appointment. Mark is a very experienced musician with a large repertoire. Any CEO can be forgiven for a woman being appointed to any position these days. Dougie and his team are to be congratulated for steering the BSO through some very difficult times and Mark’s contribution during COVID was an immense support to the organisation.
You will not find much enthusiasm for ‘Dougie’ among the beleagured rank and file, I can assure you.
He did a very good Shostakovich 5th with the IPO many years ago.
Mark is a wonderful artist and a terrific writer. Wish him well.
Why does everything have to do with nationality on your headlines, Norman?
What a waste. This guy should be the chief conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic.
Skool,allowed Moi and 2 others others,aged 15,to cycle about 15 miles to Bournmouth for a Concert when Hariette Cohen with broken wrist played a one Handed Concerto written for Her.
Am I thinking of around 1949ish ?
Such my intro’ and continued love of Music.
That would have been Bax’s Concertante for Left-Hand and Orchestra. She damaged her hand in 1948. Bax is due a revival, perhaps Wigglesworth and BSO can be a part of that?
Wigglesworth is brilliant but apparently his ‘difficulty’ held him back time and again. Hopefully he’s mellowed with age (though he still looks 40), if he has, he will be a Mackerras for a new generation and spend his later years covered in glory. If not, I give it two years.
The orchestra is not pleased, I can report with complete authority!
Mark is a pretty good conductor- but he can be difficult & is he gay?