“A young ‘conducting wizard’ and former drummer in a rock band is taking the helm at the Philharmonia Orchestra,” writes Robert Dex in Wednesday’s (5/22) Evening Standard (U.K.). “Santtu-Matias Rouvali will replace fellow Finn Esa-Pekka Salonen as principal conductor of the Southbank Centre’s resident orchestra. The 33-year-old has signed a five-year contract starting in 2021/22 that will see him work with the Philharmonia for 10 weeks a year and lead their performances at the Royal Festival Hall. Managing Director Helen Sprott said he was ‘a worthy successor’ to Salonen who has spent 13 years in charge and will become conductor emeritus. She said: ‘Santtu represents the future: he’s young, dynamic, a natural musician and a conducting wizard. He has a proven record of building audiences for orchestras and for thinking creatively about the role a symphony orchestra can play in 21st century society.’ Rouvali grew up in the Finnish city of Lahti where both his parents played in the city’s symphony orchestra and trained as a percussionist and played in bands before conducting.” Said Rouvali, “The players of the Philharmonia can do anything … and show an incredible hunger to create great performances. There is huge possibility with this orchestra.”
Posted May 28, 2019
