BBC Proms: Jansen, Philadelphia Orchestra, Dutoit

Supreme, epic Tchaikovsky numbers among the best of this year's concertos

by Alexandra CoghlanFriday, 09 September 2011

Charles Dutoit and the Philadelphia Orchestra: a cautionary tale for straitened timesAll images © Chris Christodoulou

After filing for bankruptcy earlier this year, the Philadelphia Orchestra seemed poised to be the flagship cultural casualty of the financial crisis. Five months on and the bills continue to rise, but in the best Titanic tradition the band are determinedly playing on. It’s been five years since we last heard them at the Proms and their return last night under Chief Conductor Charles Dutoit saw a capacity crowd turn out to show their support and to hear the glossy music-making for which this orchestra is so justly celebrated.

The Philadelphia Orchestra are both a cautionary tale and a source of hope

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