What's happened
Antony Hermus has been named chief conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, taking over from Ryan Wigglesworth. He will start in September next year after concluding his current role with the Belgian National Orchestra. The appointment follows his history of adventurous, “outside-the-box” programming and his collaborative work with the BBC SSO.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- Hermus has a track record of “outside-the-box” programming and collaboration with Opera North and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, suggesting a focus on broadening the orchestra’s repertoire.
- The BBC SSO’s openness to experimental formats could be reinforced by Hermus’s style, potentially drawing larger and more diverse audiences.
- The move may shift the orchestra’s programming toward Romantic and contemporary works, given Hermus’s past repertoire with Mahler, Ligeti, and Weill.
- Readers may consider how this appointment affects regional orchestral scenes in Scotland and the UK, and what it signals about the BBC’s commitment to innovative classical music.
How we got here
Hermus, a Dutch conductor known for innovative programming, will assume the role in September after serving as chief conductor of the Belgian National Orchestra. His appointment comes as the BBC SSO seeks to expand its adventurous repertoire and deepen ties with contemporary and romantic works while maintaining high performance standards.
Our analysis
The Guardian reports Antony Hermus has been appointed as chief conductor of the BBC SSO, highlighting his history with Ligeti, Mahler, and Scratch concerts. Dominic Parker from BBC SSO comments on the collaboration, while Wigglesworth reflects on his tenure. Guardian Scotland coverage underscores the appointment's significance for Scotland’s orchestral scene.
Go deeper
- Will Hermus’ appointment change the BBC SSO’s touring schedule this year?
- How will his past Scratch concerts influence BBC SSO’s outreach to amateur musicians?
- When does Hermus begin his new role and what repertoire can audiences expect first?
More on these topics
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BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra - Orchestra
The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra is a Scottish broadcasting symphony orchestra based in Glasgow. One of five full-time orchestras maintained by the British Broadcasting Corporation, it is the oldest full-time professional radio orchestra in Scotland.
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The Guardian - Newspaper
The Guardian is a British daily newspaper. It was founded in 1821 as The Manchester Guardian, and changed its name in 1959. Along with its sister papers The Observer and The Guardian Weekly, The Guardian is part of the Guardian Media Group, owned by the S