Nobody would think badly of Maestro Herbert Blomstedt, now in the evening of life, if he decided to slow down his pace a little. On Tuesday, July 11, he celebrated his 90th birthday, yet his plans include conducting 90 concerts this year in venues all around the world. That means a lot of traveling, rehearsal days, and interviews – activities that go hand-in-hand with such an intense program.
This is a wonderful article. Thank you, Maestro Blomstedt, for your inspiring life and message. I will print and re-read this often.I will check your upcoming concert schedule in the hope that I will be able to attend one many thanks
The commentaries of the critics after a music performance in Vienna are traditionally rather harsh., traditionally, since quite twohundred years.
Blomstedt is at the “Musikverein” quite often. Last Sspring he conducted Brahms “Deutsches Reuiem” (did`nt he find something easier ?), - and you cold read in the next days newspapers, , how his deep religious committment was to be felt thrugh the whole performance. . And the performance at all was absolutely top quality.,
Blomstedt has articulated the officially approved Sabbath observance standard: It’s not OK to practice, but OK to perform on Saturday. Good news for SDA athletes who wish to perform in athletic events during the sacred hours.
Not that it would be necessary to add more praise (he certainly wouldn’t like it) … but Herbert Blomstedt has been a long time supporter and benefactor of Friedensau Adventist University - in many ways. About once a year a bus load of students and staff take a ride to one of his concerts (usually in Leipzig) and get a personal introduction to the concert by the maestro beforehand. People who were able to attend tell me it is quite unforgettable.