In Monday’s (9/19) Seattle Times, Sanjay Bhatt writes, “Seattle Symphony’s new music director took center stage at Benaroya Hall on Sunday, amiable and eager to welcome faithful symphony-goers and newcomers alike to Seattle’s temple of classical music. Ludovic Morlot treated families to a free day of music in all its forms, culminating in two 45-minute concerts he conducted. For most of the day, Morlot gave the stage to other local music groups, including big bands, jazz orchestras, a violin duo, hip-hop performers and a cappella singers. … Morlot started his new job in Seattle on Sept. 1, taking over from Gerard Schwarz, who held the post for 26 years. The crowd Sunday was as diverse in age and ethnicity as the music—a strategic move by Seattle Symphony to try to broaden its appeal as its core base of subscribers ages. … Realizing that ticket costs can keep families away from the symphony, the orchestra has started a new program, Family Connections, which offers free companion tickets for children to any of the Seattle Symphony’s Masterworks concerts this season (go to www.seattlesymphony.com for details). … As Morlot attempts to broaden the symphony’s subscriber base, he has commissioned new works inspired by local music legends such as Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana.”
Posted September 21, 2011
