French conductor Michel Plasson has been named the music director of the China National Symphony Orchestra. The China National Symphony Orcherstra has been without a conductor since Muhai Tang (now conductor of the Zurich Chamber Orchestra) left the ensemble in 2001. So what’s the big deal?

This act marks the first time a Chinese orchestra has taken on a foreign music director. The CNSO is funded by the Chinese government. Plasson’s French background would make it impossible very difficult to gain approval for a salary, as directorship roles in government funded programs tend to be more than slightly political in origin (China is not the only country who is guilty of this). According to Musical America, Plasson’s paychecks will be taken care of by a private sponsor.

Unfortunately, Western audiences may never hear Plasson and the CNSO (at least on our home continent), as the orchestra has no plans of touring, and his contract is for an unusually short one year/ten concert season.

Plasson, who studied with Lazare Lévy at the Paris Conservatory, had his last appointment as principle conductor of the Orchestre et Chœurs du Capitole de Toulouse, a position which he took in 1968. In 2003, Plasson resigned and now holds the title of “Honorary Conductor.”

Article on Music America (will not work with subscription)

Posted on October 8th, 2009 at 1:33 pm | Filed under General |