Sir Andrew Davis, who cut his artistic teeth as music director of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra from 1974 to 1988, has made clear his preference for this world, the next world or Australia, by accepting the job of principal conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
The 68-year-old is celebrating with them on June 25 at Melbourne Town Hall with guest organist Cameron Carpenter and, two days later, with a concert of music by Richards Wagner and Strauss (including the suite from Der Rosenkavalier he led so evocatively last night) with soprano Deborah Voigt.
It’s at that point that the orchestra is expected to make an official announcement, and reveal all the details.
Davis, currently the principal conductor at Chacago Lyric Opera and a resident there, is widely regarded as one of the great maestros of our time.
The Melbourne orchestra has been without a principal conductor for three years.
As a side note, the Melbourners organise an annual Symphony Day, which is being held on June 9. They expect 100 amateur musicians join the professionals on stage for a feast of noisemaking.
What better way to get someone interested in their instrument than to let them play on a great stage, within bow-poking proximity of a pro?
John Terauds