Striking A Balance In Berlin

There may not be an orchestra on Earth more attached to its own tradition and history than the Berlin Philharmonic, so it’s only natural that change would be a tough sell. But Simon Rattle, the Phil’s chief conductor for the past five years, is all about modernization. “What Rattle and the philharmonic are hoping to do is to build an orchestra of the future. But to achieve this, he also believes the Philharmonic has to find a balance between exploring new music and coming to terms with its musical past.”

Montreal Choir Ordered To Raise Its Standards

Montreal Symphony music director Kent Nagano has laid an ultimatum at the feet of the local amateur choir that sings frequently with the orchestra: get better, or else. “The January performances of Wagner’s opera Tannhäuser are a test the choir must pass. “What the choir had to achieve to satisfy him, and what the consequences were, were not clear.”