Who will takeover Lenny's podium?

Leonard Bernstein

It's been known for awhile now that Alan Gilbert is stepping down as Music Director of the New York Philharmonic in 2017. As that date draws closer, the powers-that-be seem to be pretty much hushed about the process of succession, whatever that is. But that hasn't stopped many from weighing in on the kind of leader the NY Phil should have. Say what one may, whomever is finally crowned the monarch of New York is assuming the mantle of Leonard Bernstein, especially as that composer, conductor, teacher's centennial arrives in 1918.

The New York Times tells us that "the next music director should be a brilliant musician with impeccable credentials, experienced and World Famous in the way New Yorkers expect — but also daringly young and up-and-coming. The maestro must be a probing, subtle interpreter of the glorious classical canon who is also on the cutting edge of contemporary music. Someone who will satisfy the orchestra’s longtime subscribers while attracting new audiences. A taskmaster who can command its sometimes willful musicians while maintaining their respect and affection."

David Robertson

Anthony Tommasini calls out one of my favorites, a leader who would "be willing to lead the New York Philharmonic through two seasons of nomadic existence (as the Philharmonic's concert hall goes through its 100th renovation in search of better acoustics). "David Robertson, who was a serious candidate for the job when Alan Gilbert was ultimately appointed. Mr. Robertson, also 56, a brilliant technician, brings vitality and character to performances of the classics. His voracious curiosity for new music is infectious. He has a quirky personality and a droll sense of humor that could catch on with New York audiences." I have seen Robinson, leader of the St. Louis Symphony, work on more than one occasion. He's the real deal.

Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim talks about the conductors to avoid:

• The Frequent Flier. His résumé is impressive, the stable of thoroughbred ensembles he has led is vast. But surely he’d drop everything for you, the New York Philharmonic? Don’t kid yourself. His heart will always be divided. You deserve someone fully committed to this relationship.

• The Tyrant. Like Anastasia Steele, you long for a strong hand. So what, you tell yourself, if Toscanini broke batons and hurled scores at players? Beware. There’s nothing dreamy about bad behavior. Steer wide of anyone who has punched players, insulted audience members or demoted musicians minutes before a performance.

• The Revolutionary. You know this one. “Who needs Tchaikovsky?” he says. “Why so much Brahms? And while we’re at it, who needs seats?” It’s all very thrilling until it’s time to meet the parents. You’re part of a family that includes the board and the audience. Will your romance survive if either of them disowns you?

• The Caretaker. Nice, self-effacing, easygoing. The earth doesn’t quite shake when you make music together, but so what? Isn’t that what visiting conductors are for? News flash: This is the New York Philharmonic. It deserves better than someone to tide it over a few years. And audiences shouldn’t be popping caffeine pills along with their cough drops.

• The Older Guy. An experienced, mature partner makes you feel safe. But let’s be honest: 70 is not the new 40. Remember, you’re looking for a long-term relationship. The right person may not need to be able to vault over the construction fence at Lincoln Center, but it still needs to be someone you can build, and make, a home with.

Esa-Pekka Salonen

Zachary Wolfe urges the Phil to look toward its glorious partnerships with composer-conductors: "One of the Philharmonic’s proudest traditions is that a sizable number of its music directors have been distinguished composers, including Mahler, Bernstein, Boulez, even Lorin Maazel. The orchestra has an opportunity to add another if it selects — or, perhaps, is able to persuade — Mr. (Esa-Pekka) Salonen to follow Mr. Gilbert."

David Allen says to simply look up the road(s) a piece:

Manfred Honeck, the perfect age at 56, has superbly revived the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. A violist in the Vienna Philharmonic in the 1980s and 1990s, he took time to learn from those who conducted him. Most of his recordings of Mahler, Dvorak, Strauss and Bruckner are electric and insightful.

Manfred Honeck

In New York, Mr. Honeck has already proved himself. Leading Carnegie Hall’s final Spring for Music concert last May, he showed real thought with his blending of readings, poetry and Mozart’s “Requiem.” His Philharmonic performances have seen noticeable improvement in the orchestra’s sound and energy, especially in an extraordinary Dvorak Ninth Symphony in December 2013. An eager fund-raiser, he’s also more adept with new music than many think, as performances here of James MacMillan’s “Woman of the Apocalypse” and Claude Vivier’s “Orion” have shown.

Vivienne Schweitzer casts her ballot for "a charismatic communicator and established conductor like Mr. Robertson — who has proved adept in a range of repertory, lure fresh faces and is a champion of living composers — seems an ideal match. And ideally, the next maestro or maestra will continue to loosen stuffy concert protocol. Hopefully, by the end of the next music director’s tenure, classical music newbies who show enthusiasm by clapping at the end of a movement won’t be silenced by haughty stares."

That's three (counting my own--remembering that I went down in flames with my Berlin Phil pick--) for Robertson. Anyone else?

Elsewhere, Alex Ross of the New Yorker notes, People talk about looking for a second Lenny, but they usually don’t mean it. If you wanted another Bernstein, you would hire a composer, not a conductor.

Graham Parker, General Manager of New York's WQXR, implores the orchestra, "Don't Ignore the Audience," there are lots of wonderful musicians out there, great conductors, great thinkers, courageous programmers and quirky minds that could be found in one or two lucky options for the Philharmonic. And to be sure – make sure it is the audience that you please first, not the rest of us.

Norman Lebrecht says the next Music Director will not be an American.

Well, the time is nigh. Gilbert leaves in 2017. Someone will need to set up shop to get the orchestra through two years of nomadic existence starting in 2019. Should have cloned Lenny....