The conductor of City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra had to return home in the middle of a European tour after his baby daughter fell seriously ill.
Andris Nelsons, the CBSO’s internationally respected Music Director rushed to be at the bedside of three-month-old daughter Adriana, who is still in intensive care.
Mr Nelsons was called away just an hour before a show was due to start in Dortmund, and Associate Conductor, Michael Seal stepped into the breach.
Stephen Maddock CBSO Chief Executive said: “Andris is currently in Riga with his family where his daughter is hospital. Our thoughts are with him and his family, and we fully respect their privacy during this difficult time.
“As Associate Conductor, Mike regularly conducts the CBSO in a wide range of concerts in Birmingham.
“However, in his other capacity as a violinist with the Orchestra, he had already performed 13 concerts in March and it was a tremendous achievement to take on these concerts at such short notice.
“It is testament to the nature of the CBSO and to Mike’s fantastic professionalism and skill in these difficult circumstances. The Orchestra continued to play to their world-class standard and ensure that CBSO is both respected for its talent and also its commitment to great music-making.”
Mr Seal will also replace Andris for the CBSO’s next two concerts at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester on 29 March and at Symphony Hall on 30 March 2012.
