Berlin picks Dutchman to replace Simon
mainThe other Simon – Simon Halsey – is leaving Berlin after a dozen years as artistic director of the radio chorus and (more recently) as head of the Berlin Philharmonic youth choral programme. He wants to spend more time with his family in England, where he chorus director of the LSO, as well as of the city of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (since 1983).
Berlin launched an international search. Today it has announced Simon’s successor.
He is Gijs Leenaars, 36, head of the Netherlands radio chorus.
No pressure, then.
“Chorus director of the LSO” – indeed, superbly so, for the last 3 years. But he’s also been directing the CBSO Chorus for 31 years, including 15 years under Rattle.
There is a world beyond the Barbican, you know…
Is he still doing Brum? I wasn’t aware. Will insert.
Don’t worry Halldor,they know nothing South of Watford
And the BBC only know London and Manchester.
We know the value of the Midlands scene
A sign before Yannick Nézet-Séguin takes the post at the Berlin Philharmonic ?