It is becoming almost a standard rite of passage for young musicians: their first experience with some legendary conductor. Whether this takes place at a summer festival, all-state orchestra, or in the college/conservatory field, it is almost always a memorable experience. Musicians know what I’m talking about. You’re probably thinking about that time you played under Michael Tilson Thomas, Lorin Maazel, Leonard Bernstein, I could go on…

In a recent article, the New York Times chronicles a visit by veteran conductor, Bernard Haitink, to the Juilliard School in New York. Haitink conducted the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam for over 25 years, and for a time was the principal conductor of the Chicago Symphony. He is the quiet type, meaning, it would not surprise you to go through an entire symphony without hearing so much as a peep from his lips. When he does speak, you can be sure that the entire orchestra is listening.

Detailing 2 days worth of rehearsals, a comedic episode when fellow conductor Michael Tilson Thomas just decided to stop by, and all the ups and downs of an intense concert program featuring Brahms’ Second Symphony, the article is a worthy read, and sure to take you back to a great memory of your first summer at Tanglewood.

Getting to Know You, and the Score Too

Posted on October 30th, 2009 at 9:49 am | Filed under General |