September 6, 2003
Simon Rattle praises the Venezuelan Youth Symphony Orchestra
In an interview published by The Times newspaper Simon Rattle, conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, praised the Venezuelan Youth Symphony Orchestra and expressed that he felt inspired by the work and style of its players.
He said in relation to the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra that "we have to deal with the -er- rhythm situation". According to the newspaper this is "an enigmatic observation about an orchestra whose technical disciplines are revered. So he explains. The Venezuelan Youth Orchestra, which has a partnership with the Philharmonic, which sends players to train the youngsters, came to play in Berlin. They played South American Music with their own dance rhythms".
"We knew that they were better than we were. They are an orchestra of staggering brilliance. We had tears running down our cheeks", Rattle said. The journalist added "they are a useful symbol of how Rattle wants to develop the repertoire and the style of his players".
The Times also commented that "the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra is surprisingly young. A Venezuelan doubles bass player was recruited to play with them this year at 17 age and he had to pass his next year birthday before German laws would let him perform in the Philharmonic".