Breaking: Mariss Jansons falls ill on eve of China tour. Young Scot steps in.
mainThis just in from the Concertgebouworkest:
Having arrived in Beijing on their World Tour, the Royal Concertbegouw Orchestra’s Music Director Mariss Jansons has withdrawn on medical advice from conducting tomorrow night’s concert (Nov 13th) at the National Performing Arts Centre.
Stepping into the breach and making his RCO debut will be the young Scottish conductor Rory Macdonald who is travelling with the orchestra as cover conductor for Mr Jansons. Programme includes Stravinsky Firebird and Tchaikovsky 5th Symphony.
Wish you lots of success,young Rory Macdonald.
“Young Scott” I thought. “I haven’t heard of him, Probably some young american chap…”
He’s been making a good impression at ENO, I think.
He has conducted at both London opera companies, but was also a member of the Young Artists Programme at Covent Garden and assisted Pappano on the Ring Cycle, so I would say he’s more associated with the Royal Opera than ENO.
The performances I have seen of his have been very good, so I wish him well tonight.
All the best Mariss, get healthy soon please!
I met you once briefly Mariss. You were charming. So get well soon!
Yes, get better Maestro Jansons… And good luck Rory! From Eleanor (Wexford 2012)
I think it was more likely that his doctors advised he not come to Beijing given the high pollution here lately! I live in Beijing, and how bad the air has been lately is absolutely shameful.
With someone like a heart condition like Maestro Jansons, air well beyond WHO standards (Hazardous to your health last night, the night of the first concert) could be deadly!
Great! Was at RSAMD Juniors with him years ago and he’s the nicest guy in the world as well as a fantastic musician. Hope it goes well!
On Sunday 1 December 2013 in Sydney Mr Rory McDonald step in in second half concert when Mariss Jansons widtdrown conducting Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra due to medical advice