On Wednesday (3/11), five New York Times classical music critics respond to the question, “Who should succeed Alan Gilbert when he steps down as the music director of the New York Philharmonic in 2017?” Anthony Tommasini: “I would be disappointed if the Philharmonic goes with an eminent maestro who has not demonstrated palpable involvement with contemporary music and living composers.” Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim: “So your relationship is ending, and it’s time to move on. Here are five types to avoid getting into bed with: The frequent flyer, the tyrant, the revolutionary, the caretaker, the older guy.” Zachary Woolfe: “Can he or she compose? One of the Philharmonic’s proudest traditions is that a sizable number of its music directors have been distinguished composers, including Mahler, Bernstein, Boulez, even Lorin Maazel.” David Allen: “In ideal circumstances, my vote would go to someone dedicated to new music and secure in the old, to someone who spurns that very distinction.” Vivien Schweitzer: “The ability to inspire ‘unhinged’ interpretations is a must, as is a genuine commitment to contemporary music.” Conductors cited include James Gaffigan, Daniel Harding, Pablo Heras-Casado, Manfred Honeck, Susanna Mälkki, Ludovic Morlot, David Robertson, and Esa-Pekka Salonen.
Posted March 13, 2015
