Classical Review: Conductors take centre stage for baton battle
Jessica Cottis had drawn the short-straw and was first to mount the rostrum with the Orchestra of Opera North still needing time to get into the groove of supplying their unstinting support to the 12 young musicians, though in the 40 minutes allowed the judges had seen her talents that will mature in time.
They may have been more swayed by the obviously finished product of Rebecca Miller, already the resident conductor of the Louisiana Philharmonic. She certainly knew how to put a rehearsal together even if her Brahms never found the tingle-factor.
My hope is that they will take the long-term view and see the undoubted potential in London-born, Kevin Griffiths, whose style of conducting and deameanour on stage reminded me of the precocious young Simon Rattle at his age, and he had the good sense to place his trust in the orchestra's playing skills.
Only open to those born in the UK, the jury must have found it difficult to understand the aims of some competitors, Courtney Lewis seemingly attempting the fastest finale to Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony ever achieved.
We have yet to see the 17-year-old, Alexander Prior, who has enjoyed so much television exposure in recent weeks, but I don't envy the jury's job in selecting the three who will appear in Saturday night's Town Hall final.
Conductors Competition, Leeds Town Hall
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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