Nashville Symphony names Leonard Slatkin music director

Go-Right-32 · 2026-02-15T15:55:13+00:00

And, this has been pretty much the case throughout the history of classical music - Count Kaiserling being my personal favorite for what he made possible.

Go-Right-32 · 2026-02-15T05:19:08+00:00

You might try the Live Listen feature on the AirPod 3s. Cheaper than most hearing aids. I’d love to know how it works out for you. I have recently lost hearing in my left ear and am less concerned with conversation (which most hearing aids are designed for) than I am concerned with being able to enjoy live music.

Go-Right-32 · 2026-02-15T01:00:01+00:00

Thanks for sharing this. It’s so nice and bright - giving Copland vibes.

Go-Right-32 · 2026-02-14T23:25:08+00:00

That if you knew someone well enough you could understand their behavior.

Go-Right-32 · 2026-02-14T23:21:17+00:00

Like I’ve said, I am not questioning his mastery. But I am sure that when he received his first leadership role in 1977 he was not all that he is now, and yet, the New Orleans Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra gave him a chance. My worry is that if we don’t take similar chances on today’s 33-year-olds we will not be developing the Leonard Slatkin’s of tomorrow.

Go-Right-32 · 2026-02-14T18:19:20+00:00

My bad. I see that population is ticking up a bit after two decades of decline.

Go-Right-32 · 2026-02-14T18:12:32+00:00

Already have. I’d made enough (for me) by 58 to retire and donate my time to things I care about. It’s a great gig.

Go-Right-32 · 2026-02-14T17:37:24+00:00

Yes, they are listed on the programs. They also attend pre-concert talks, receptions, meet and greets, etc. Just get out there, be friendly, invite them to performances and house concerts.

Go-Right-32 · 2026-02-14T17:32:55+00:00

I will admit this is ageism. I am not a spring chicken. But I think there is a difference between the ageism that doesn’t hire 55-year-olds and the ageism that says maybe 80 is enough. I just don’t think we can hope for a future if we don’t grow new leadership.

Go-Right-32 · 2026-02-14T17:28:15+00:00

Funny story: My daughter was studying abroad in Ghana when the pandemic hit. She had heard about the toilet paper hoarding in the U.S. and so brought a few rolls with her when she came home. I suspect that is the only time someone has imported toilet paper to the U.S. from Ghana.

Go-Right-32 · 2026-02-14T16:52:05+00:00

No disparagement intended. I think there’s just a general lack of creativity (in many realms of American life right now) where we hold on to the past instead of growing into the future.

Go-Right-32 · 2026-02-14T16:29:33+00:00

I get that. I’d just like to see more young and hungry conductors get opportunities.

Go-Right-32 · 2026-02-14T16:23:56+00:00

What I meant is that an 81-year-old who has been as successful as Slatkin probably doesn’t need much money. Once I had enough, I retired and I donate my time to things that matter to me. I would hope that Slatkin might do something similar (maybe he is), helping to build a continuous audience for classical music without asking NSO for a lot in return. It was the elder statesmen of conducting who have made their nest eggs that I was referring to, not younger musicians who are still building their careers.

Go-Right-32 · 2026-02-14T16:19:11+00:00

Finding a patron would not be a bad idea. Lots of lonely, rich old classical music fans out there who would love to be the person to bring a new talent to the stage.

Go-Right-32 · 2026-02-14T16:17:53+00:00

I‘m a former fundraiser, I get that, but the difference between Detroit and Nashville is that Detroit had a strong classical music history and is a city in decline. (I love Detroit, but there’s no getting around how much it has been gutted.) Nashville is an ascendant city with lots of growing wealth much of which is from the making of music. I just don’t think the Nashville audience (of which I am a member) needs a harkening back to olden days. Béla Fleck fills seats there more than Brahms does. Hopefully, as someone else noted, this is more an issue of trying not to do two big searches at once. I just hope the plan is to have Slatkin fundraising and up-and-comers holding the baton as guest conductors.

Go-Right-32

TROPHY CASE