cbostrum (02/09/83)
Has anyone heard more than me on the following: Apparently HVK and the BPO have had a falling out resulting in the cancellation of a lot of live performances and recording sessions. This was over a new clarinetist that HVK wanted to include in the orchestra that the musicians were not in favor of. Quite a stir has been caused. One interesting thing is that the new musician is a women. Both sides claim that this is not an issue, but its curious. As far as I know, the Berlin Philharmonic has never had a woman musician. Certainly all photos and roster listings I have seen have not included a woman as far as I could make out. Does anyone know about this?
elf (02/10/83)
I love it! Orchestral gossip.
elf (02/10/83)
But seriously, I would also like to know if anyone has some gossip on cbostrum's request. I have never seen a female musician in any picture of the BPO either. Eugene Fiume utcsrgv!elf
lee (02/12/83)
#R:watmath:-451000:rochester:800001:000:150 rochester!lee Feb 11 22:29:00 1983 An article in the N.Y. Times indicated that there is only one woman in the Berlin Philharmonic. The chair occupied by this person was not mentioned.
mclure (03/09/83)
#R:watmath:-451000:sri-unix:3100002:000:560 sri-unix!mclure Feb 19 03:02:00 1983 Yes, this is all true. Karajan has gone to the absolute minimum of his contract (n concerts per year) and has drastically reduced the recording schedule, if not eliminated it alltogether. The orchestra is trying to gain leverage in the entire affair since it appears the woman will be given a one year grace period in which to "prove" herself after which the orchestra will have the final decision. Karajan wields considerable clout and is almost a mythic figure in Berlin so the orchestra has a considerable problem in dealing against his wishes. Stuart