Welcome
When Marin Alsop appeared at the BBC Proms in August with her Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, she was greeted like a returning hero, such was the warmth of the audience’s response. It’s this ability to forge genuine emotional connections that has made Alsop not just an inspiration for aspiring female conductors over the past 30 years, but a great conductor in her own right. And although she wears the ‘role model’ mantle lightly, she has generously made sure to hold the door open for her female colleagues – not least through her Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship, established in 2002. HERE she talks to Stephen Moss about her pioneering career thus far, and what the future may hold.
As August’s festive summer season gave way to autumnal showers, there was the sombre news not only of Queen Elizabeth II’s death on 8 September, but of pianist and conductor Lars Vogt’s passing three days beforehand. Although it was widely known that the 51 year-old had been living with cancer, the speed with which the disease took his life was unexpected and tragic. In his interview with Jessica Duchen just two months prior he spoke hopefully of his performing and recording plans (HERE), and a week before his death he personally chose the live recordings featured on this month’s cover CD. A sensitive and versatile musician, he will be sorely missed.
Charlotte Smith
Editor
This month’s contributors
Stephen Moss
Feature writer and author
‘For her Moons Symphony Amanda Lee Falkenberg boldly recruited Marin Alsop and the LSO for the mission. I sat in on the recording, and quizzed Alsop about exploring new worlds and where her career goes from here.’
Leah Broad
Musicologist and author
‘I’m thrilled Carwithen’s music is getting so much attention in her centenary year. Not only is her music exciting, but she was also an enigmatic and fascinating person. Writing her biography has been a rollercoaster!’
Jo Talbot
Cellist and writer
‘I’ve known and enjoyed Walton’s Cello Concerto for decades, but studying and listening to it performed by an array of great artists made me realise its significance for the cello repertoire – areal treat.’