Wonders never cease: Vienna Philharmonic gives permanent status to its first female concertmaster
Gee, history was being made all over the place over the weekend.
While major health care was being enacted Sunday in Washington a century or so after being proposed, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra on Saturday appointed its first female concertmaster in 168 years. Women weren't even admitted on a trial basis as players into the august ensemble until the 1980s, so we're talking a painfully slow process.
I'm not sure how frequently audiences
will see Albena Danailova in the concertmaster's chair -- I wouldn't be surprised if it were more often on tour than at home (the Philharmonic invariably took heat for its male-dominated traditions whenever it traveled, especially to New York). But the fact that the Bulgarian-born violinist has now been given the permanent appointment is still big news. Danailova, a former concertmaster of the London Philharmonic, was named acting concertmaster in Vienna two years ago; she formerly begins her tenure as tenured concertmaster on Sept. 1.
(I tried without luck to find a YouTube clip of the Philharmonic with her playing in the first stand; if you spot one, please let me know and I'll post it.)
Comments
This is a clear victory for equality of the sexes! (And it's taken bloody long enough to occur...)
I recall the story of Abbie Conant:
http://www.iawm.org/articles_html/buzzarte_conant.html
I had all of the respect in the world for Sergiu Celibidache as a conductor (especially of Bruckner) until I read about this particular bit of extreme foolishness and small-mindedness a few years ago. Now, while I still respect his legacy as a conductor (certainly a visionary in many aspects, even if one doesn't agree with the results), I cannot help but think of Conant's story and be utterly baffled. He came from a different generation (and culture) with different standards, I guess, so maybe I shouldn't judge too harshly...
Bravo for Albena Danailova!
Posted by: Doug Halfen | March 22, 2010 1:13 PM
Actually, you may have seen Albena Danailova seating next to Rainer Küchl (the first concertmaster) in the 2009 New Year's concert - the one conducted by Barenboim. Here are two links to youTube videos:
Polka "So ängstlich sind wir nicht!":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyOOUt6ScyE&feature=related
And the Radetzky Marsch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh1p5tEd2UE
As for Sergiu Celibidache, well, there is the eternal story of conflict between the genius musician and the flawed human being.
Thanks for the video links. TIM
Posted by: Don Ciccio | March 22, 2010 4:38 PM