Berlin's next conductor: a few names to watch

Yes, many of us are wondering who will succeed Sir Simon Rattle at the Berlin Philharmonic in 2018. The orchestra will be choosing their successor this coming May, we've heard. So here's a rundown of some of the most prominent candidates.

Christian Thielemann has been considering the leading candidate for the job in many circles. He's German and traditional, two qualities that could place him in favor with the orchestra. It would be a sweeping change after the British Rattle, who was new to much of the central German repertoire. But Thielemann's advantage could also be his vulnerability. Since he doesn't have wide repertoire, would the orchestra find him restrictive after Rattle, who conducted a wide variety? Regardless of his chances for the job, I'm personally not sure that he has the desired musical inspiration. Shouldn't the new director be forward looking?

The young Gustavo Dudamel has been a favorite of the orchestra for years, but has he matured enough past his wunderkind stage? Certainly his appointment would be a gamble, but perhaps the orchestra would be willing to give it a shot. It's unlikely, however.

Andris Nelsons was cited as a favorite candidate from the start, but after he accepted a post at the Boston Symphony, his chances severely declined. But Berlin doesn't open until 2018, so perhaps something could be worked out. Certainly he has wide experience for a conductor his age, and he's worked extensively with the orchestra in the past several years. His exuberant energy certainly makes him a standout. If he ends up being available, he's one of the most venerable options.

Daniel Barenboim was a favored name to succeed Abbado, going on to famously lose the position to Rattle. He'll be 76 in 2018, so his age makes him unlikely. But he has his fans, so he'll be touted in some circles.

Yannick Nezet-Seguin has fast risen to prominence, and is currently stationed with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Nezet-Seguin has been to Berlin multiple times in the past few years. Does he stand out more than several of his young peers, though?

Daniel Harding, like Rattle, is British, and he has had an unusual career, starting out as a prodigy mentored by Rattle and Abbado. Today he is the music director of the Swedish Radio Symphony and he deserves a promotion. He's principal conductor of the LSO, so perhaps he's in line to succeed Valery Gergiev. But speculation has suggested the Rattle is eyeing the London job. Ah, musical chairs.

The Russian Vladimir Jurowski is my personal choice for the job, even if he's not one of the most likely candidates. He has had wide experience, and his conducting is free of pretentiousness and remarkably clear. He has an outstanding eye for voicing and detail that would be sure to fit well with the Berliners. I'd be thrilled to see him land the job.


Any thoughts about who you think should or shouldn't have the job? Drop a comment.