In Friday’s (7/8) Boston Globe, David Weininger writes, “Many musicians talk the talk of widening classical music’s appeal—of involving younger audiences, and making the uninitiated feel welcome. … Charles Ansbacher walked the walk. From his founding of the Boston Landmarks Orchestra in 2000 until his death last September from a brain tumor, Ansbacher not only preached but lived the idea of making classical music accessible. … Ansbacher’s death left questions about how the Landmarks orchestra would continue. The organization took a big step forward in April, when Christopher Wilkins, a Boston native and longtime friend of Ansbacher’s, was named its second music director. He makes his first appearance in the new role on Wednesday, when he opens the Landmarks Esplanade season with an all-Mozart concert. … According to Wilkins, Ansbacher’s passing has made the past year a difficult one for the organization … But the biggest challenge was, and is, how Landmarks can transition out of being so thoroughly identified with its founder. Or, in Wilkins’s words, ‘Is there a way to morph it into a board-run organization, as opposed to the charismatic leadership of Charles?’ He recognizes the challenges, but explained that, unlike most other orchestras in the country, there is no need to agonize about or rethink Landmarks’ core mission.”
Posted July 8, 2011
