Hello, dear Friends, dear Colleagues –

I wish everyone health, safety, and strength in these challenging times, and I pray for all the brave people affected by the virus, as well as those battling to save the lives of others.

I also wanted to send my heartfelt wishes to Boston and to Leipzig! Although I would be so happy to be with my two musical families throughout the next weeks, to continue our journey at the Gewandhaus and to finish the season at Symphony Hall, the right measures have been taken to ensure everyone’s safety and health as much as possible. I miss you all, and send my love to all of the wonderful musicians and teams, to all the friends and supporters of these two really brilliant institutions, who inspire hope through good times and difficult times.

I feel this is not a time of hopelessness, but a time that brings out the strength and unity within us and between us.
It is a time to encourage compassion, solidarity, and kindness, a time for deeper reflection on our actions and our purpose, and what is truly important to us in this lifetime.

It is also a time in which creativity is stimulated, in which different and unique ways to connect are being discovered, both by institutions as a whole and by individuals. From next week, for example, the Boston Symphony Orchestra will be airing live concert recording broadcasts on Boston’s 99.5 WCRB radio station six days a week, and the Gewandhausorchester will feature a special TV/DVD broadcast on their website during their typical concert days on Thursdays and Fridays. Furthermore, so many musicians and music-lovers are sharing their passions and gifts directly from their homes.

Nothing in this world could destroy the healing power that is music, and in my mind there is no doubt that we can – and will – return to bring music before our wonderful audiences and listeners in the future with an intense zest for life. I am looking forward to being united with my dear colleagues and friends and sharing music very soon again on the historic and beautiful stages of this world.

Until then, wishing everyone hope, positivity, safety, and good health.

Photo: Marco Borggreve