Concluding a frustrating 3-year search for its seventh music director, the
Philadelphia orchestra will today name Christoph Eschenbach to succeed
Wolfgang Sawallisch.

Not my first choice, not even in my top ten, but I'm prepared to listen
with an open mind.  He hasn't worked here in 5 years -- and those last
groups of concerts were pretty awful -- and the pick seems more made out of
desparation than any huge desire to have the 60 year old Eschenbach here.

Betting starts now on the 8th director %)

btw, comments from musicians in today's Philadelphia Inquirer indicate
less than wild enthusiasm.  On other other hand, having torpedoed every
younger option, it's a little unfair now for some to complain about
going with the safe older choice.  It will be interesting to see whether
Eschenbach will consent to a strong Principal Guest conductor.  He has
indicated he wants Sawallisch around a lot as laureate, which is a good
sign.

Robin Mitchell-Boyask
Temple University
Philadelphia PA 19122