Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra Nov. 2, Wolfgang Gieron conducting in Suntory Hall -- "The Ideal," from Two Portraits for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 5/1 (Bela Bartok, 1881- 1945), Music for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 12 (Lorin Maazel, b. 1930), Gypsy Caprice (Friedrich Kreisler, 1875-1962), all featuring Lorin Maazel, violin; Lorin Maazel conducting -- Symphony No. 1 in D Major "Titan" (Gustav Mahler, 1860-1911)
The vehicle was the 128-member Symphony Orchestra of the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation, which was founded in 1949. The show, however, was entirely dedicated to violinist, conductor and composer Lorin Maazel, who has served as the orchestra's chief conductor since 1993. The nine concerts (each with a different program) performed during 10 busy days in Japan were part of a worldwide showcase, featuring the BRSO and other orchestras, of the maestro's multiple talents, entitled "Maazel at Seventy."
Maazel's first instrument was the violin, which he studied from the age of five, displaying precocious talents. Choosing orchestra experience over a promising career as a concert soloist, he joined the second violin section of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (and was appointed apprentice conductor) in 1948 at the age of 18.