A Young Force at the Phil

The Los Angeles Philharmonic has named Willem Wijnbergen (VILL-ehm VINE-ber-hen) its new managing director, replacing the esteemed Ernest Fleischmann, who in his 28-year tenure led the Philharmonic to among the top five orchestras in the country.

The Dutchman comes to the L.A. Philharmonic from one of the world’s top institutions, Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. His strong musical and marketing background should help him propel the Philharmonic into the next rank, alongside the leading orchestras of the world, in the next century.

The 39-year-old director steps into an enviable position. Fleischmann leaves the Philharmonic on an upswing of acclaim. Under Wijnbergen, the orchestra should be pointed toward global recognition splashed with California personality. With him in this endeavor will be the creative force of talented conductor Esa Pekka Salonen and, potentially, the gifted stage director Peter Sellars. This Los Angeles trio of orchestral virtuosos has the ability to shake and rejuvenate the world of classical music.

But there are some significant issues that Wijnbergen will have to address in the short and medium term. Expanding the Philharmonic’s endowment is one, and that will take all of his powers of persuasion. No less an effort will be required to help achieve the completion of the downtown Disney Hall, where the Philharmonic will perform.

Wijnbergen is to arrive in Los Angeles this week to attend the first concerts of the Philharmonic season. We wish him success to match the Philharmonic’s own.