Jeffrey Tate doesn't look so graceful walking to the podium? His sexual
preferences are not quite in the mainstream? Maybe he mows his backyard
nude.  Who cares about this stuff?

If we list members were in charge of making the BSO Music Director
selection, none would ever be made.  I think that's because there are a
ton of excellent conductors out there.  There's no problem of picking a
conductor who conducts well enough.  The problem/challenge is to pick a
conductor who "wakes up" the region and draws folks into his/her mindset.
I'm talking about charisma, persistence, high energy, and a verbal gift
of the highest level.  That would greatly narrow the field to a few
applicants.

When I interview folks for a position, I insure that the applicant does
most of the talking.  Subsequently, I have a great insight into the ability
of the applicant to persuade and convince.

If I can make a good selection for the need, the BSO board members should
be able to do it with a smaller margin of potential error.

A few posters have mentioned Zinman for the position.  Well, I've heard
him speak in public and on paper.  He's not the one, he's not even close.
His verbal gifts just are not fine enough for what's needed.  He is an
excellent conductor; that's not sufficient.

Don Satz
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