We had our first full orchestral rehearsal last night for the Damnation of Faust. Charles Dutoit is certainly one of the best conductors I’ve encountered. It’s a refreshing change to have a conductor whose beats are clear and who can clearly explain the effects that he wants the choir to produce.
I agree. I’ve got several of his classical recordings off the London label (Holst, Mussorgsky, Respighi, Prokofiev) and enjoy them all immensely.
It must be exciting working with such inspired talent. What do you play and when do you perform?
I’m in the choir (first tenor). The final rehearsal’s tonight (Tuesday). Performances are Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.
What choir are you a part of? what orchestra is performing?
Very Envious percussionist here. :mad:
I’m in the Sydney Philharmonia Choir. The orchestra is the Sydney Symphony.
Unless “Australia” has suddenly moved much closer to the U.S., I’m afraid I can’t make it. 
Very envious violinist here.
Ever work with James Judd?
Wednesday’s performance went pretty well. Now we just have to maintain the momentum tonight and tomorrow night.
No, not as yet.
Absolutely agree. He’s been part of my (very short) list of favorites since I first heard his recording of The Rite of Spring with Montreal.
I had the great privilege of being able to hang out with him a few years ago - he was director of the Pacific Music Festival and I was there as a composer. It was an experience I’ll never forget.
There aren’t many that can do Berlioz like he does!
Oddly enough, Charles Dutioit was a conducter who happened to get reviews in one of the audio magazines I used to read back in the late 80’s. I bought and loved his Daphnis et Chloé by Ravel as well as his Rimsky-Korsakov’s Schéhérazade.