A Leader’s Life 1/2
The distinguished violinist, concertmaster and conductor John Georgiadis shares highlights from his new autobiography ‘Bow to Baton – A Leader’s Life’ with Jon Tolansky in two programmes of lively and outspoken conversation and a selection of performances by some of the world’s most renowned conductors when he was the London Symphony Orchestra’s leader. He discusses recordings he has conducted with the RTÉ Sinfonietta and Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, and he recalls a celebrated tour he made of Ireland performing with James Galway. Spanning a period of 60 years, from 1959 to today, John’s story especially focuses on the dual responsibilities the leader has to the orchestra and the conductor and how with more authoritarian figures this could be a dramatic challenge. His story also reveals how an epiphany with one legendary though controversial figure inspired him to develop and ultimately devote his career to conducting.
In programme one John Georgiadis recalls playing as a leader with Sir Thomas Beecham, Sergiu Celibidache, Leopold Stokowski, Istvan Kertesz, and George Szell.
Presenter/Producer: Jon Tolansky
A Jon Tolansky production for RTÉ lyric fm
RTÉ lyric fm, Sunday 5th May, 6pm-7pm