Imagine this: a 78-year-old entrepreneur with no formal musical education pays nearly $100,000 just to fulfill his dream and stand on the conductor’s podium of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra! Mandl Cheung, a longtime classical music lover, managed to conduct Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony, sparking a storm among musicians. Some supported him, while others believed an amateur couldn’t lead such a technically demanding piece. Cellist Lucia Tiho stated that musicians should have been involved in the decision to hire Cheung and select the repertoire, as they would never have agreed to Mahler otherwise.
But wait, it’s not all doom and gloom! Cheung covered all concert expenses, including renting the Roy Thomson Hall and paying soloists’ fees. The concert wasn’t part of the official season but was organized by his own Mandl Philharmonic foundation. Despite the criticism, the performance ended with standing ovations from the audience, and Cheung hopes this will open doors to other orchestras, possibly in Europe.
Though he revealed he suffers from Parkinson’s disease and his health doesn’t allow frequent performances, this fearless amateur proved dreams have no age limit. His story is proof that persistence and love for music can break through walls of elitism and tradition. So, what do you think about this unusual conductor? A bold move or an inappropriate experiment? Drop a comment — maybe you have the best critique or praise for Mandl Cheung!
