John Eliot Gardiner - the pros and cons...

[Petrushka]

I don't find much to disagree with in Andrew Mellor's article here:

https://www.classical-music.uk/opini...-shames-us-all

I don't disagree much either. However, as we all know, many of the personnel in these period ensembles are the from the same pool of players and I wouldn't mind betting that such is the case here.

[richardfinegold]

I don't find much to disagree with in Andrew Mellor's article here:

https://www.classical-music.uk/opini...-shames-us-all

This is excellent

[oliver sudden]

I don't disagree much either. However, as we all know, many of the personnel in these period ensembles are the from the same pool of players and I wouldn't mind betting that such is the case here.

I would be very interested if anyone here can confirm this!

[french frank]

I would be very interested if anyone here can confirm this!

A bit confusing too if you search for Constellation Orchestra ...

[Maclintick]

I don't disagree much either. However, as we all know, many of the personnel in these period ensembles are the from the same pool of players and I wouldn't mind betting that such is the case here.

That may well be so, but I wonder how the Monteverdi personnel view the Elbphilharmonie's ticket-swap offer ? Demeaning or what ? In my book it's reprehensible, and doesn't encourage me to patronise this particular venue in future.

[oddoneout]

That may well be so, but I wonder how the Monteverdi personnel view the Elbphilharmonie's ticket-swap offer ? Demeaning or what ? In my book it's reprehensible, and doesn't encourage me to patronise this particular venue in future.

However, they are putting on concerts by both groups, so punters can make their own choice about who to support. What have the other venues in the original tour done - have they had to choose either /or, because of space or financial constraints?

[gurnemanz]

I don't disagree much either. However, as we all know, many of the personnel in these period ensembles are the from the same pool of players and I wouldn't mind betting that such is the case here.

In December Constellation are doing the concert at 5 venues. Monteverdi are doing 4 venues. The dates overlap but don't clash, so not impossible for a musician to participate in all concerts.

[LHC]

I would be very interested if anyone here can confirm this!

The reports I have seen suggest that MCO's decision to sack JEG has caused division within the MCO. Some of them have made public their disagreement with the decision, and I understand have now left the MCO to join JEG's new orchestra.

An MCO spokesperson has condemned the actions of the dissenters and accused them of conducting a 'dirty tricks campaign' and of trying to undermine the orchestra. For example, this report in the Evening Standard includes the statements from both pro- and anti- JEG factions in the MCO:

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/musicians-orchestras-france-alexander-armstrong-royal-opera-house-b1173588.html

I think it is clear from this that while a number of (presumably ex) members of the MCO are now part of JEG's new orchestra, there is unlikely to be any love lost between the two orchestras, especially as JEG's first engagements with his new orchestra seem to be intended specifically to undermine MCO's own bookings.

[Old Grumpy]

Perhaps the Gardiner should place himself on Gardening Leave...

[Master Jacques]

The reports I have seen suggest that MCO's decision to sack JEG has caused division within the MCO. Some of them have made public their disagreement with the decision, and I understand have now left the MCO to join JEG's new orchestra.

An MCO spokesperson has condemned the actions of the dissenters and accused them of conducting a 'dirty tricks campaign' and of trying to undermine the orchestra. For example, this report in the Evening Standard includes the statements from both pro- and anti- JEG factions in the MCO:

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/musicians-orchestras-france-alexander-armstrong-royal-opera-house-b1173588.html

I think it is clear from this that while a number of (presumably ex) members of the MCO are now part of JEG's new orchestra, there is unlikely to be any love lost between the two orchestras, especially as JEG's first engagements with his new orchestra seem to be intended specifically to undermine MCO's own bookings.

Thank you for this link, LHC, which is - for me at least - considerably more balanced and interesting than Andrew Mellor's tract ("We as an industry are complicit in this advancement of his career, as if nothing were up.")

No "we" are not, Mr. Mellor, whatever might or might not be going on on the banks of the Elbe.

Oh, and by the way, it's not an industry, it's art.

[french frank]

Oh, and by the way, it's not an industry, it's art.

The 'creative industries' are often spoken of, to include such wider matters as managment, admin, employment as well as performance.

[oliver sudden]

The 'creative industries' are often spoken of, to include such wider matters as managment, admin, employment as well as performance.

Yes, I’m afraid it’s definitely an industry for most of us most of the time.

[Ein Heldenleben]

The 'creative industries' are often spoken of, to include such wider matters as managment, admin, employment as well as performance.

I cannot express how much I hate the phrase “creative industries” . Not because we are precious luvvies (though obviously we are ) but because it completely misses the point of what we are trying to do. It also lumps together dozens of different modes of creativity which have very little in common. The politicians understand very little about them and it shows. For years they never gave a monkey’s but because , along with university education , pharmaceuticals, bio-med , finance , insurance and a few other niche area it turned out the British were quite good at it they have to fake interest,

[french frank]

The politicians … have to fake interest,

They ought to when figures are quoted for how many billions they add to the economy.

[vinteuil]

.
... nation of shopkeepers! Politicos here only get persuaded of the 'value' of kulchur when they see the £ sign. Other European nations see things differently.

As the Rev Mr Yorick says in A Sentimental Journey - '”They order,” said I, “this matter better in France.”'

Yes, it's for the gloire and similar nonsense, but still...

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