Oct. 18, 2007
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra takes a page from the Los Angeles Philharmonic's book in naming a new music director under the age of 30. Latvian Andris Nelsons, 28-years-old, will succeed Sakari Oramo, beginning in the 2008-2009 season. In April, the LA Phil announced that Gustavo Dudamel, 26-years-old, would become music director in the 2009-2010 season, taking over from Esa-Pekka Salonen (also appointed at a young age). Many major orchestras look for someone with much more experience under their belt; most conductors don't receive major appointments until they are at least in their mid-30s. Some may question the musical maturity of younger conductors, but both of these orchestras are looking forward to the energy that they will bring to the podium.