High-flying British conductor and part-time pilot lands top job with US orchestra
High-flying British Conductor and Part-time Pilot Lands Top Job with US Orchestra
In a surprise move, the Los Angeles Philharmonic (LA Phil) has announced that renowned British conductor Daniel Harding will take the reins as its new music director. This appointment marks a significant milestone in Harding’s illustrious career, which has been characterized by a unique blend of music and aviation. Apart from being a distinguished conductor, Harding is also a qualified Air France pilot, making him one of the most unusual figures in the classical music world.
Harding’s appointment is seen as a coup for the LA Phil, which has been searching for a new music director since the departure of Gustavo Dudamel in 2022. The 47-year-old conductor has built a reputation for his technical mastery, musicality, and innovative approach to programming. His previous roles include music director of the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and principal guest conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra.
Harding’s passion for flying is almost as well-known as his love of music. He has been flying since his teenage years and holds a commercial pilot’s license. In 2016, he joined Air France as a pilot, becoming the first conductor to fly for a major airline. Harding has said that flying helps him to relax and focus, and that the discipline and concentration required to fly a plane are similar to those needed to conduct an orchestra.
The LA Phil’s decision to appoint Harding as its new music director is seen as a bold move, and one that reflects the orchestra’s commitment to innovation and excellence. Under Harding’s leadership, the orchestra is expected to continue its tradition of pushing the boundaries of classical music, while also engaging with new and diverse audiences.
Harding has announced that he will maintain his flying schedule, albeit on a part-time basis, and will continue to fly for Air France during his downtime from conducting. This unique arrangement is seen as a testament to the conductor’s dedication to both his passions, and his ability to balance multiple demands on his time and energy.
The appointment of Daniel Harding as music director of the LA Phil has been widely welcomed by the classical music community, with many praising his exceptional talent, his passion for music, and his commitment to innovation and excellence. As one of the most exciting and dynamic conductors of his generation, Harding is set to bring a new level of energy and excitement to the LA Phil, and to help shape the future of classical music in the United States.
With Harding at the helm, the LA Phil is expected to continue its trajectory as one of the most innovative and respected orchestras in the world. The orchestra’s 2024-2025 season, which will be Harding’s first as music director, promises to be an exciting and unforgettable one, with a range of innovative programs and collaborations that will showcase the conductor’s unique vision and artistry. As the classical music world looks on with great anticipation, one thing is certain: Daniel Harding’s appointment as music director of the LA Phil is set to be a game-changer, and a new chapter in the orchestra’s rich and storied history.
