As 2025 begins, the Los Angeles Philharmonic is still considering potential candidates to succeed Gustavo Dudamel as its Music and Artistic Director in 2026. While several names have been suggested by those closely following the orchestra, there is one musician whose name has not yet surfaced, but may now be a serious contender.
That musician is Robin Ticciati, a 41-year-old British conductor of Italian descent, a background he shares with the legendary conductor John Barbirolli and the current chief conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra, Antonio Pappano.
Ticciati’s remarkable performance with the LA Phil on Sunday, January 5, at Walt Disney Concert Hall demonstrated a strong connection between conductor and ensemble. This was evident from the very first notes of Antonín Dvořák’s Prague Waltzes, a rare piece that the LA Phil had never performed before. The orchestra’s response was unanimous, and there was a natural, irresistible flow to the piece’s lilting rhythms—a delightful shift away from the more typical waltzes of New Year’s concerts.
The chemistry between Ticciati and the afternoon’s soloist, Georgian-born, Berlin-based violinist Lisa Batiashvili, was also evident in Beethoven’s Violin Concerto. Batiashvili, playing a 1739 Guarneri del Gesù violin, brought out a light, sweet tone and fully immersed herself in the music, exploring the nuances of each phrase. The tempo fluctuations were suspenseful, yet perfectly in line with the overall structure, while both soloist and orchestra displayed extraordinary control of contrasting dynamics. Ticciati’s careful and sensitive shaping of the music was particularly notable in the winds. After the introspective first two movements, the Rondo finale was energetic and buoyant, bringing the piece to a satisfying conclusion. No encore was needed after such a rich performance.
Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 followed, starting with a lively tempo, nearly as brisk as Dudamel’s approach with the orchestra but without his tendency for overblown intensity. Ticciati’s work in the slow movement highlighted the beautiful wind playing, despite its less overtly pastoral nature. His unique approach to the third movement’s triple-meter swing was unconventional but felt natural, carrying the orchestra along with a relaxed groove. The finale was fiery but never overwhelming, with strong overall performances, especially from the cellos.
Although Ticciati is still relatively young in a profession known for long tenures, he is already an experienced and accomplished conductor. He has held prestigious positions, including music director of the Glyndebourne Festival Opera and chief conductor of the Deutsche Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, a post he recently left in December. With his charismatic presence—lean physical stature, curly brown hair, and energetic movements on the podium—Ticciati commands attention. He is also known for his interest in contemporary music and even the rare art of orchestral free improvisation.
Whether this successful concert was a one-time appearance or a glimpse into the future remains to be seen, but Ticciati’s performance may well have set the stage for more exciting opportunities with the LA Phil.
Related Topics
- PIET DALMOLEN, Northern California Guitarist and Singer-Songwriter, Unveils His Highly Anticipated Debut Solo LP TIME STANDS STILL
- Tommy Emmanuel Celebrates 70th Birthday with Australian Tour
- World-Famous Turkish Violinist Ayla Erduran Passes Away at 90
