In Friday’s (1/18) Detroit Free Press, Mark Stryker writes, “Detroit Symphony Orchestra principal cellist Robert deMaine admits that no matter how happy or content he is, there is always a part of him that’s just a little restless. He points to a suitcase lying flat on the floor near the staircase in the Grosse Pointe Farms home he shares with his wife and two children … a symbol of his ambition and drive—and perhaps the fear of failure and of losing his edge. … DeMaine is performing Benjamin Britten’s Symphony for Cello and Orchestra this weekend with the DSO led by guest conductor Mark Wigglesworth. DeMaine’s concerto performances with the DSO have been highlights of his 10-year tenure. But these concerts promise to be bittersweet, since they will be the last time he plays a concerto as a member of the DSO. At 43, deMaine is leaving in May to become principal cellist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. … ‘Everyone will miss him,’ said music director Leonard Slatkin. ‘He has been a fantastic player and he’s done a great job, but everyone moves on and so will we. But we wish him all the best in L.A. He’ll be a terrific leader of the section.’ ”
Posted January 18, 2013
