I signed the petition “Save the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra” because the RSO is indispensable.
The music world looks to Austria and the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation. As 2009 – the ink under my conducting contract with the ORF was hardly dry – that RSO stood on the edge, the worldwide outcry sounded deafening. In the end, the thousands and thousands who signed the petition at the time were relieved that the plans, the RSO to close or downsize, have been withdrawn. That’s how it will be, that’s my deepest hope, this time too.
The cultural country Austria with ORFbut without ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra? I don’t like to imagine.
The orchestra that currently plays by far the most premieres and first performances no longer exists? I don’t like to imagine.
The RSO, loved, revered and respected worldwide as the cultural ambassador of Austria and Vienna, is no longer allowed to fulfill his mission? I don’t like to imagine.
The musicians of RSO make indispensable contributions to society beyond concerts, beyond radio, television, CD and DVD productions: as pioneers of education for young and old, as not only competent in classical music, but also as passionate partners by Chilly Gonzales Calexico and Nursery Productions.
I have that myself RSO as chief conductor and artistic director from 2010 to 2018. Especially that RSO as a core part of ORF to save would be an irreparable prank, the shame of which would accompany those responsible for the rest of their lives.
Cornelius Meister
on February 22, 2023
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Cornelius Meister
