If appointing musicians to orchestras was like the NFL draft, then perhaps the Berlin Philharmonic just lucked out on a first-round rookie with it's new 18 year-old Austrian trumpeter, Florian Pichler.
The development comes after the London Symphony Orchestra and its progressive ear name Peter Moore, also 18, as co-principal trombone. Moore is a former winner of BBC Musician of the Year.
Having young players may add some new blood to an orchestra but can they compare to their mates? Chances are: yes.
In a release issued on the Berlin Philharmonker website, Pichler was quoted as saying:
For me as a second trumpet player, it is particularly important to adapt well and can add to the sound of the orchestra. In an orchestra as the Berlin Philharmonic, it means for me to always be on the ball, always continue to develop and never rest on our laurels.
This sparked a debate on Slipped Disc about who the youngest appointed musician in an orchestra was. Surprisingly, these kids don't seem to come close.
Nevertheless, keep an eye out on the young talent coming through the ranks.
To wit, here's what he's up against. Here's the Berlin Philharmonic doing Strauss.
