“Since Ludovic Morlot took the baton in 2011 as maestro of the Seattle Symphony, he’s encouraged a new generation, and different demographic, to visit Benaroya Hall,” writes Steve Raible on Wednesday (3/16) at CBS radio/TV affiliate KIRO Seattle. “He’s knocking down misconceptions … by embracing, even encouraging, non-traditional music genres…. ‘We have two missions,’ he said. ‘One is artistic excellence in everything we do.’ … His other mission is the symphony’s relevance in the Seattle community…. In 2014, Sir Mix-a-Lot brought the house down on the Benaroya Hall stage as part of the symphony’s ‘Sonic Evolution’ series celebrating local musical icons. Morlot also helped the symphony bring home two Grammy awards: one in 2015 for Best Classical Instrumental Solo. The symphony’s first ever Grammy came a year before that for Best Contemporary Classical Composition of John Luther Adams’ ‘Become Ocean.’ … Morlot says the Seattle audience loves ‘old stuff’ as much as they love ‘new stuff.’ … Dialogue like that keeps Morlot energized and inspired.” Says Morlot, “I can’t emphasize enough how privileged I am to be having this life.… My only regret is I’d love the days to be twice as long as they are.”
Posted March 18, 2016
