The Berlin Philharmonic's newly appointed chief conductor, Kirill Petrenko, has already had to deal with anti-Semitic abuse over his new position. While he remains tight-lipped on all matters, the orchestra has taken the opportunity to introduce their new leader via a free website.
Petrenko initially found himself in the middle of a heated debate over his new appointment to the Berlin Philharmonic. Having contended for the position with the German-born Christian Thielemann, a German radio station Thielemann in a most impolite way. Originally stating that a German-born conductor had deeper roots in the "tradition" of German music, the conversation then veered towards anti-Semitism, going so far as to compare Petrenko to a "tiny gnome, the Jewish caricature."
Those comments have since been deleted.
In spite of the controversy, the Russian-born Petrenko, known for his shyness and refusal to do press, remains silent on the matter.
Thus, in order to introduce him to the public, the orchestra has compiled a few short interviews and concerts into a one-stop show for everything Kirill.
As the website reads, Petrenko said of his new job:
"'Words cannot express my feelings - everything from euphoria and great joy to awe and disbelief. I am aware of the responsibility and high expectations of me, and I will do everything in my power to be a worthy conductor of this outstanding orchestra.' With these moving words Kirill Petrenko responded to his election as the new chief conductor designate of the Berliner Philharmoniker and artistic director of the Berliner Philharmoniker Foundation. On 21 June 2015, the orchestra voted for the native Russian by a large majority."
If you aren't familiar with the conductor be sure to read up on him while you can (as the site won't be free for long). In the meantime, enjoy some of his earlier work below.
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