Runnicles to Join BBC Scottish Symph. Orch!!
Posted by: Ian G. on 02 October 2007
From BBC comes this fantastic news for those of us who like his music making. I read this as speculation in the The Herald at the weekend but dismissed it as fantasy.
Wonder if he'll venture to this side of the country?
Ian
Wonder if he'll venture to this side of the country?
Ian
Posted on: 02 October 2007 by Tam
Ian, in my view this is wonderful news.
A few weeks back it was announced that Volkov (with whom I've been pretty impressed in the role) was to step down. When it came up on the BBC Message Board I speculated along the following lines:
But apparently it seems dreams do sometimes come true. I'm a great admirer of Runnicles, both in the concert hall and on disc and it's been a regret that, as probably Scotland's finest conductor, he hasn't spent more time here in the last couple of years. The BBCSSO is a strong ensemble, especially under Runnicles and I really can't wait to hear what they'll get up to together.
My only regret, that the orchestra don't play a joint programme in Edinburgh, which will mean the train company will see significantly more of my hard earned cash from 2009 onwards. However, it probably does me we're virtually guaranteed Festival appearances (he was a notable absence this year).
It's worth noting that the SCO top job is also vacant at the moment (which would have been good too, since they play just around corner), but while he has worked with them, I don't believe he has the same rapport as with the BBC orchestra. Scottish Opera are also short a top man (or woman) and have been for far too long, but their problems are such you'd probably need to be a little crazy to take it on.
The full press release is here.
regards, Tam
A few weeks back it was announced that Volkov (with whom I've been pretty impressed in the role) was to step down. When it came up on the BBC Message Board I speculated along the following lines:
quote:This is sad news. I have some extremely fond memories of Volkov's tenure. Not least a stunning Bluebeard's Castle with Petra Lang. I remember the extra brass arranged throughout the organ gallery (which must have given those who'd bought seats there a bit of shock). The sound of the 5th door is something I shall never forget.
The BBCSSO have been a very fine band under his leadership and compare very favourably against the RSNO (though they have been on fine form of late too - particularly when Deneve is at home in the repertoire as he was for a wonderful concert of Poulenc which closed this year's Festival) and the other BBC orchestras.
As Bryn points out, the credit doesn't belong to him alone. I wasn't up here during Vanska's time, but they responded superbly when he came back with Kullervo and the 3rd symphony last November.
So, who will they get to take over? Well, in my dream world, Donald Runnicles. I don't know how likely that is. He has built what appears to be an excellent rapport with the orchestra and turned in some wonderful performances: last year's Bruckner 6th, the Verdi Requiem and Mahler 3rd from the 2005 festival and 2003's Lohengrin. He will have left SF Opera by then, so who knows. Certainly it would be great to see him back in Scotland (I'd prefer Edinburgh, but I'm going to be picky).
Off the top of my head, others such as Edward Gardner, David Robertson or Paul Daniel might be interesting (but I don't know how much any of them have worked with the orchestra, if at all). I suppose Associate Guest Conductor Stefan Solyom may be a candidate, but I've only heard him in his contribution to last year's Sibelius cycle with which I wasn't overly impressed.
But apparently it seems dreams do sometimes come true. I'm a great admirer of Runnicles, both in the concert hall and on disc and it's been a regret that, as probably Scotland's finest conductor, he hasn't spent more time here in the last couple of years. The BBCSSO is a strong ensemble, especially under Runnicles and I really can't wait to hear what they'll get up to together.
My only regret, that the orchestra don't play a joint programme in Edinburgh, which will mean the train company will see significantly more of my hard earned cash from 2009 onwards. However, it probably does me we're virtually guaranteed Festival appearances (he was a notable absence this year).
It's worth noting that the SCO top job is also vacant at the moment (which would have been good too, since they play just around corner), but while he has worked with them, I don't believe he has the same rapport as with the BBC orchestra. Scottish Opera are also short a top man (or woman) and have been for far too long, but their problems are such you'd probably need to be a little crazy to take it on.
The full press release is here.
regards, Tam
Posted on: 02 October 2007 by Tam
Posted on: 05 October 2007 by Tam
quote:Originally posted by Ian G.:
Wonder if he'll venture to this side of the country?
Ian, I mentioned this on my blog, which the marketing manager of the orchestra seems to have stumbled across and left this comment.
regards, Tam
Posted on: 05 October 2007 by Ian G.
I guess it is only you and me who care about this but that doesn't make a whole season of Runnicles any less mouthwatering.
Surely he'll be vain enough (as we all are aren't we ??) to google his own name and find your blog if he hasn't already. Maybe your site will become a hotspot when he arrives !
cheers, Ian
Surely he'll be vain enough (as we all are aren't we ??) to google his own name and find your blog if he hasn't already. Maybe your site will become a hotspot when he arrives !
cheers, Ian
Posted on: 05 October 2007 by chfs911
I do too!
Get along to Mahler's 3rd on Sat. Heard it in Perth on Thursday and it is an unbelievable performance.
Not to be missed once in a lifetime job!
RSNO have only played it 3 times in 33years apparently.
Get along to Mahler's 3rd on Sat. Heard it in Perth on Thursday and it is an unbelievable performance.
Not to be missed once in a lifetime job!
RSNO have only played it 3 times in 33years apparently.
Posted on: 04 November 2007 by Tam
And now he's going to be taking over at Deutsche Oper Berlin:
http://www.playbillarts.com/news/article/7298.html
I wonder if easyjet fly between Edinburgh and Berlin.....
regards, Tam
http://www.playbillarts.com/news/article/7298.html
I wonder if easyjet fly between Edinburgh and Berlin.....
regards, Tam