When we picked up a copy of the Saturday edition of the Daily Telegraph (29th April), we were delighted to see a feature on our very own OB, conductor Andrew Manze (75-82). The splendid review, by journalist Simon Heffer, is a look at of Andrew’s work, following his recent attendance at a Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra concert which had been conducted by him. Simon is evidently impressed by Andrew’s talent and refers to him as “The conductor so good I nearly crashed my car”. He then gives a splendid review of Andrew’s work naming him “the greatest living interpreter of Vaughan Williams’ music and especially of his symphonies.”
Andrew is Principal Conductor of the NDR Radio Philharmonic Orchestra in Hannover and has been highly praised “for his virtuoso and insightful interpretations as a violinist and ensemble leader; his unique, rousing style as a conductor; and his inspired ability to communicate with the audience”. He has released a number of award-winning CDs both as a conductor and violinist over the years and is a fellow of the Royal Academy of Music and a Visiting Professor at the Oslo Academy. He also teaches, edits and writes about music, as well as broadcasting regularly on radio and television. In November 2011 Andrew Manze received the prestigious ‘Rolf Schock Prize’ in Stockholm. Previous winners include Ligeti, Kagel, Saariaho, Panula, Gidon Kremer and Anne Sofie von Otter.
We look forward to hearing more great things about Andrew’s work.