Gerhard Markson Warns Against Cuts to RTÉ NSO

The RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra

Gerhard Markson Warns Against Cuts to RTÉ NSO

Former principal conductor of the RTÉ NSO, Gerhard Markson, speaks out against potential cuts to the orchestra in a recent Irish Independent piece.

The German conductor Gerhard Markson is quoted at length in a recent Irish Independent piece about potential cuts to the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra — the broadcaster is said to need to save €25 million. Markson, who was principal conductor of the orchestra from 2001 to 2009 says his time with the RTÉ NSO was the highlight of his career. 

You rarely find an orchestra of that size and professionalism that retains such excitement and curiosity in its playing and that is willing to deliver a piece exactly as a conductor wants with such vitality, even temperament and natural friendliness. Every time I work as guest conductor with them now it feels like coming home — it's like a very good marriage.
If you can't afford a new car, you buy a second-hand one. It doesn't work that way with orchestras — a car doesn't represent your existential identity whereas a national orchestra absolutely represents its people. The NSO is the front-runner in the musical identity of Irish symphonic playing. Anything which may result in the loss of that would be a pity for the Irish people.

irishindependent.ie

Published on 20 September 2012