Fresh Take:
Staatskapelle Berlin Sets Sail in Canada Tour with Standing Ovations
The Staatskapelle Berlin commenced its North American tour this weekend in Toronto, showcasing two electrifying concerts that left audiences cheering. The orchestra announced on Monday that both performances received standing ovations, marking their first concert in Canada spanning over 450 years.
Initially, conductor Daniel Barenboim was scheduled to lead the tour, but unfortunately, illness forced him to cancel. In his stead, Lithuanian conductor Giedrė Šlekytė shone for the Canadian audience – making history as the first female conductor on an international tour for the orchestra.
This Tuesday, Chicago is in for a treat with the debut of 42-year-old Czech conductor Jakub Hrůša. Subsequently, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the 48-year-old Music Director of the Philadelphia Orchestra, will conduct the Staatskapelle Berlin during their concerts on February 30 and December 1 in New York, and December 3 in Philadelphia.
Daniel Barenboim had revered the position of General Music Director of the Staatsoper since 1992, elevating the Staatskapelle Berlin's international reputation. Unfortunately, he retired due to health concerns earlier this year. Christian Thielemann will succeed him as General Music Director of the Berlin opera house for the 2024/2025 season.
In the midst of Daniel Barenboim's temporary absence in Toronto, the Staatskapelle Berlin captivated audiences with their enchanting classical performances. Giedrė Šlekytė masterfully led the initial concert in Canada's esteemed theater.
Insights:
Despite a surprising change in leadership due to Daniel Barenboim's health issues, the Staatskapelle Berlin's future remains promising. Among the upcoming performances, the Alban Berg Violin Concerto will be conducted by Simone Young, featuring Anne-Sophie Mutter, on April 19, 2025, at the Staatsoper unter den Linden in Berlin. Although not explicitly mentioned, the Berliner Philharmoniker Biennale features various conductors, including Marin Alsop and David Robertson, who will conduct mesmerizing opening concerts.
Recent upheavals in the Staatskapelle Berlin's conductor line-up has somewhat impacted their international tour plans, as no forthcoming North American trips have been announced thus far. However, the orchestra continues thriving with numerous performances scheduled in Berlin and other German cities.
[4] DPA, [2023-02-18]
[2] Berlin Philharmonic, [Accessed 2023-02-18]
[5] Berliner Philharmoniker, [Accessed 2023-02-18]
