Music director starts work at world’s worst-run orchestra
mainThe Orchestre de la Suisse Romande has blown millions of francs over the past four years, compensating four managing directors who were unfairly sacked by a dilettant board.
That has not stopped Jonathan Nott from assuming office last night as music director.
He said: ‘It is with huge anticipation and pleasure that I take up this appointment with the distinguished Orchestre de la Suisse Romande. Why anticipation? Because nothing can give a greater sense of freedom to a Music Director, about to embark on a long journey with his orchestra, than the total commitment of his players. So, I enter this relationship knowing that I have their overwhelming support to work long and hard together, exploring familiar and new repertoire, and ensuring that this fine ensemble is recognised as one of the foremost in the orchestral scene.’
We hope he didn’t write that all by himself.
Hmm. Notice he said he has full commitment from his players and doesn’t mention anybody else. And “ensuring that this fine ensemble is recognised as one of the foremost in the orchestral scene” doesn’t mean that it is currently so recognized.
The Orchestre de la Suisse Romande is not the worst-run orchestra in the world. The competition for that spot is very stiff indeed.
I was Solo Trumpet of the OSR for 31 years. It’s no better run, no worse run than any other orchestra in the world. Norman Lebrecht, you need to get a life.
Jonathan Nott has a Das Lied coming out in April with Jackie Evancho, erm sorry Jonas Kaufmann and the VPO ……and that’s not Mike Spence.
I don’t get the snarky tone, Norman. What’s exceptionable about Nott’s statement and why shouldn’t he have written it himself? As Bruce observes above, he is talking about the players. And it IS a very fine orchestra, having made excellent discs recently with Neeme Jarvi and Marek Janowski.
Give me 60 days to run it, and check out the results.