BBC News Report:

   American accent at the Proms

   Slatkin takes on Britain's most visible conducting job

   American Leonard Slatkin is to be handed one of the most famous
   batons in Britain when he takes over as chief conductor of the
   BBC Symphony Orchestra.

   He will succeed Sir Andrew Davis in the post with effect from
   October 2000.

   The first American to hold the prestigious post, he will appear
   regularly with the orchestra at the BBC Proms each summer, and
   preside over the jingoistic Last Night of the Proms.

   The 55-year-old is currently Music Director of the National
   Symphony Orchestra in Washington, Conductor Laureate of the St
   Louis Symphony and Principal  Guest Conductor with London's
   Philharmonia.

   Slatkin has appeared regularly with the BBC Symphony Orchestra,
   taking them to Glasgow earlier this year for the first time in
   32 years to appear in the BBC's Music Live festival.

   The BBC Symphony Orchestra is acknowledged as one of the world's
   most adventurous orchestras.

   It has long been associated with the performance of new and
   neglected British repertoire and is a major commissioner of new
   works.

   His first season will coincide with the BBC Symphony Orchestra's
   move to promote its London seasons at the Barbican Centre.

   His first appearance as chief conductor will be on 22 October
   2000, when the Orchestra will celebrate its 70th birthday.

   Slatkin is no stranger to the network, having presented Radio
   3's recent successful 10-part series Discovering Music with
   Leonard Slatkin.

   An accomplished broadcaster, Slatkin will be much involved in
   the presentation of concerts on the network, and as a regular
   contributor to BBC radio and television.

   "The BBC Symphony Orchestra is at the forefront of ensembles
   dedicated to bringing the highest quality of music making to
   the broadest possible audience," said Slatkin.

   "I look forward to building new directions, as well as continuing
   the traditions of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and its distinguished
   line of conductors."

   Dr John Evans, Head of BBC Classical Music, added: "I am delighted
   that we have attracted a conductor of Leonard Slatkin's
   international standing to the BBC's flagship orchestra.

   "The extraordinary range of Leonard's repertoire, his passionate
   commitment to new and innovative programming and his instinctive
   flair for communicating with audiences make him an ideal figure
   for an orchestra committed to the public service ethos through
   broadcasting."

Tony Duggan,  England.
My (developing) Mahler recordings survey is at:
http://www.musicweb.force9.co.uk/music/Mahler/index.html