The online classical-concert database Bachtrack has released its annual findings on the world’s busiest orchestras and conductors, most-performed works, and most frequently performed composers. The findings are based on 12,597 concerts and 4,451 opera performances in 2012, and come from data submitted directly by arts organizations to Bachtrack. According to the site, the three busiest orchestras for 2012 were the New York Philharmonic (144 concert performances), San Francisco Symphony (139), and Boston Symphony Orchestra (115); the top three busiest conductors were Alan Gilbert, Michael Tilson Thomas, and Herbert Blomstedt. Most frequently performed composers—unchanged from 2011—were Beethoven (1,510 concerts), Mozart (1,416), and Bach (1,103). Most-performed works—also unchanged from 2011—were Handel’s Messiah (124 concerts), Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4 (102), and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 (87). Most-performed operas for 2012 were all by Mozart: Die Zauberflöte (202 performances), Don Giovanni (167), and Le Nozze di Figaro (165). The Bachtrack database was founded in 2008 and is run by classical-music lovers Alison and David Karlin, who are based in London; their site also includes about 120 monthly reviews of classical performances in London. The 2012 tables can be seen here.
Posted January 11, 2013
