By Robert D. Thomas

Music Critic

Pasadena Star-News/San Gabriel Valley Tribune/Whittier Daily
News

The Salzburg Easter Festival, one of Europe’s most
prestigious music events, has announced that it’s severing ties with the Berlin
Philharmonic after a 45-year run. The Dresden State Orchestra, led by Christian
Thielmann, will become the festival’s principal orchestra beginning in 2013.
The Berlin ensemble’s last appearance at the Easter Festival will be next year,
led by its music director, Sir Simon Rattle.

According to a published report, Festival director Peter
Alward said his organization would not agree to a demand from the BPO to stage
four opera performances instead of two MORE.

Thanks to Opera Chic for
the heads up.

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(c) Copyright 2011, Robert D. Thomas. All rights reserved.
Portions may be quoted with attribution.