Mark Elder makes way for a competition politician
OrchestrasThe Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester has named a successor to Sir Mark Elder as he ends 22 years as international chair of conducting.
Elder’s successor is ‘world-renowned conductor Professor Nicolás Pasquet’.
Pasquet has been accused of manipulating competition juries for the benefit of his students.
Pasqquet, a Uruguayan, has served as chief conductor of Symphony Orchestra of Pécs, Neubrandenburger Philharmonie, and Coburg State Theater Orchestra
Pasquet is not a world-renowned conductor, but he is considered by many to be an exceptionally gifted conducting teacher. He is due to retire this month in Weimar, and they will have a very difficult time replacing him.
Elder is fantastic, never heard of the other ‘world-renowned’ competition fixer.
How dare you describe this man, who has invested his life into his students, as a “competition politician”, in the first place?!
He is not just a teacher. He is a mentor, a friend, and he has put so much more hours into us after the university classes. He is always there for us, even years after finishing studies, to help us, to guide us, to coach us. His generosity is undescribable.
What is one competition, which was badly organised (as the competition should take care of setting the rules about voting for own students), as a measurement and reference? Why don’t you start with reffering to a more than 25 year career in Weimar and beyond? Why do you cherrypick on this one thing and not on the beautiful succeses of all of his students?
I can accuse you, Norman, of uninformed journalism. Will you post the link to your uninformed journalism everytime?
Innocent until proven guilty.
Marie Jacquot, Lorenzo Viotti, David Afkham, Clemens Schuldt, Johannes Klumpp,…. I could go on, and on and on. All students of his.
Stockholm syndrome?
Yes, I experienced Pasquet. He can, in fact, be an excellent teacher, especially in preparing students for competitions or auditions. Unfortunately, in Weimar only the “favorite” students (used to) get the wonderful treatment you are mentioning. I hope RNCM has stricter rules regarding equal orchestra time for all students etc. If so, good for them! Wishing best of luck!
‘Former Pasquet Student’, I think you just scored an ‘own goal’.
Perhaps you might like to see how the ‘competition’ was reported on in Finland: https://rondo.fi/tuoreimmat/uutiset/jury-voting-policy-in-panula-competition-only-according-to-ones-conscience/
Mr Pasquet (Jr), you sound slightly – how can I put this – fanatical? Any respectable or productive student-teacher relationship does not idolise the professor, nor does it attempt to fuel its fame off the success of former students. It is obvious to say, but teaching should be fundamentally educational, not fanatical. As much as I am sure you are a huge fan of Pasquet’s teaching, I would suggest you also distance yourself somewhat from falling into a ‘fandom’, which is precisely what in part fuels the competition circuit that no-one – including Mr Pasquet himself – would argue that he himself is divorced from, and this post is not incorrect in pointing out. I’d suggest that instead you enjoy your own beautiful successes and conducting career from now on! – of which sadly you make no mention of.
Welcome to Norman World. Just don’t ssk him about his Beethoven book.
I only know two of these conductors; the rest I had to look up, and they are Hampelmänner, to say the least.
This man is a conducting teacher living in Manchester.
He is not a maestro of suitable pedigree and professional standing to follow Sir Mark.
Another disappointing and unsuitable successor the Halle board need to be accountable and shamed for appointing.
Pity The Halle having a teacher direct them..
Even worst that the many UK British conductors have been ignored over this prime meastro appointment.
There are some superb British conductors available too, and not good when they are overlooked being appointed with a British Orchestra in favour of another inexperienced foreign conductor.
Did you actually read the article?
He is not taking over the Halle
As others have said, you’re talking rot there muso. The RNCM is a conservatoire, (you might need to look that up in a dictionary, and also the spelling of maestro), not an orchestra like the Halle.
His taking a position at the RNCM..the man succeeding Sir Mark Elder is KANCHUN WONG …a very fine conductor
Nicholas Pasquet is one of the most wonderful persons and a loved teachers. He raised generations of great successful conductors and RNCM are lucky to have him. Any attempt to slander him is just shameful.