This week's Philadelphia Orchestra in Concert broadcast on WRTI is led by the Finnish conductor Susanna Malkki. As WRTI's Jim Cotter reports, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from both sides of the podium.
In the mid '90s, Susanna Malkki was principal cello of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra. She says that being on the other end of the baton taught her much about conducting - specifically how every gesture made by a conductor was of tantamount importance to the musicians.
Yet as she’s grown as a conductor, she’s gained a greater understanding of letting go - particularly when facing an ensemble such as The Philadelphia Orchestra.
Malkki011215JCLF.mp3
Listen to Susanna Malkki go in-depth about her transition from instrumentalist to conductor.