In anticipation of this week’s visit by the Berliner Philharmoniker to open the season at Carnegie Hall, I found this 2009 interview between Berlin Phil bassist Edicson Ruiz and his fellow Venezuelan Gustavo Dudamel, talking about what it meant to the then-28 year old to conductor have the opportunity to lead “the best orchestra in the world.”
“Standing in front of the Berliner Philharmoniker is a challenge, but more than that, it’s a very great thrill. Making music with such talented musicians, who truly dedicate themselves to the music, who don’t see it as a job but as a way of life… The musicians here have an energy and magic that transcends time. Here, the conductor isn’t just a mastermind standing up there giving instructions, but an artery that carries communication back and forth with the orchestra… It was very much a mutual learning experience.”
The Berliners arrive on Thursday with their chief conductor Kirill Petrenko, leading three different programs over four concerts (the Friday evening program repeats on Sunday afternoon.) Thursday and Saturday are essentially sold out, but there are a decent number of seats left for Friday and Sunday. Check with the box office or online.
Thursday 10/8: A festive all-Italian program with arias by Cilea, Giordano, and Leoncavallo sung by tenor Jonas Kaufmann, along with the overture to Verdi’s La forza del destino and Respighi’s colorful Fountains and Pines of Rome
Friday 10/9 and Sunday 10/11: Brahms first Piano Concerto with Víkingur Ólafsson and Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra
Saturday 10/10: Elgar’s Enigma Variations and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4
P.S. You can find lots more Dudamel on the Berlin Phil’s Digital Concert Hall, including interviews (free) and concerts (not free).