NEW CBSO SUPREMO STRIKES THE RIGHT NOTE

12-11-2007

Any new Musical Director of the CBSO walks in the shadow of Simon Rattle, but charismatic young baton-wielder Andris Nelsons did enough on his Symphony Hall debut yesterday to suggest that he'll make just as significant an impact.

The 29-year old Latvian was introduced to the public with a free lunchtime show for which, not surprisingly, all tickets were snapped up within minutes.

His choice of music - Richard Strauss's Don Juan and Dvorak's New World Symphony - allowed him show off his wondrous ability to sustain a kind of pent-up energy in the orchestra which is occasionally unleashed in great powerful swoops.

Here is a man who isn't afraid of hushing the players into near silence, as he ponders the next raging assault on our senses.

It's all delivered with a theatrical flourish that suggests Nelsons has perhaps more of the showman's panache than the current incumbent Sakari Oramo.

In any event, it's clear that the CBSO love playing for him. At one point during the encores, they twice refused to take a bow. They rapped their music stands instead, in appreciation of their new boss.

Word has it behind the scenes that Nelsons works them hard - I even heard the word "frazzled" used by one insider - but he's already respected for trying to bring the best out of his new charges.

Nelsons takes full-time charge next year, and on this evidence there are exciting times ahead.

For more details of concerts go to www.cbso.co.uk