Wouldn't you simply die without Mahler?......
As the communications manager of the BBC SSO, there are some who might think that my waxing lyrical about a concert in this forum is inappropriate. But I love the music (and I pay my licence fee), and I can put my hand on my heart and say that last night's concert by the BBC SSO and its Chief Conductor Designate Donald Runnicles will stay with me for a very long time. Karen Cargill's breathtaking performance in Mahler's Das Lied Von Der Erde was simply awe-inspiring. Tenor Simon O'Neill, deputising at short notice was a one man lesson in vocal technique, and the orchestra under Donald Runnicles... I know I'm not alone in feeling an inordinate sense of pride about being associated with this extraordinary group of musicians.
The reviews aren't in yet, so I don't know what the critics think, but there was a very tangible buzz amongst the concert going cognoscenti that they had all just witnessed something very, very special.
One well kent doyen of the Scottish Arts scene remarked to me afterwards that Donald's first performance at City Halls was "the equivalent of Sean Connery coming back to Scotland to play King Lear". Hyperbole? I don't think so, but let me know what you thought.... Oh, and you can hear the broadcast at 7pm, Monday 28 April on BBC Radio 3.
Stephen Duffy
