Marlies’Artbeat: The Two Most Important NY Musical Chairs Announced

The announcements of the choices for the top musical positions in New York  -- and arguably the whole country -- were no real surprises. The splendid reputations and track records of these famed conductors, are well known. What is interesting, is that both also intend to hang onto several venues where these reputations were made.

Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the 41-year-old Canadian, will replace James Levine at the Met, but only officially in 2020-21, and then only for five operas each season. In the interim, however, he will conduct some performances and be part of decision-making.

Having guest-conducted in most of the important opera houses in the world, he currently is the Music Director of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra  (since 2008) and holds that top spot also at the Philadelphia Orchestra, (since 2012) and maintains a connection with Montreal as well. He intends to continue the leadership with the Philadelphia Orchestra while steering the Met.

In the past, the two-hour commute between NY and Philly, already allowed him to conduct a matinee at the Met and an evening performance with the Philadelphians, on the same day. Maestro Nézet-Séguin projects a mighty schedule, but it certainly can be pulled off, by this talented, erstwhile pianist, who made the decision to become a conductor at the age of 10!

If you want to “meet” the Music-Director Designate,  go to <metopera.org> and select the video that welcomes him to the company.

Jaap van Zweden, the Dutch-born conductor, will replace Alan Gilbert as Music Director of the New York Philharmonic in 2018. Currently he holds that prestigious post with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Hong Kong Philharmonic. Released by Dallas to allow him to accept the NY position, he just extended his contract with Hong Kong through the 2021-22 season. In NY he will conduct for 12 weeks each year, as well as manning tours and residencies.

Trained at Juilliard as a violinist, it was Leonard Bernstein who first persuaded him to take up the baton. Evidently it was very prescient advice.

This bouncing around like “pin-balls” is not unusual in the protocols of the musical world. Jet travel enables conductors, performers and whole orchestras do so frequently. I guess we all benefit because that way we do get to hear the very best.