In January 2014, Lars Vogt stepped on to the stage at Sage Gateshead to make his UK conducting debut with Royal Northern Sinfonia. Lars had an endearing and quiet confidence, even when trying something new. I have witnessed him speaking at least nine foreign languages and presumed he was fluent on the assurance of the delivery, later discovering he only knew a few words. But fluency in the language of music was something Lars possessed in captivating abundance. And it turned out he could express this just as well with a baton in his hand: just a few weeks after the final chords of Beethoven’s 4th Symphony had finished resonating around the hall, it was announced Lars was to become our next music director.
Starting his tenure in September 2015, Lars spoke of the “instant connection” he felt with the orchestra. This connection quickly and organically grew into something I have never known between an orchestra and music director: a collective trust and spirit of generosity between orchestra and maestro, borne not just of admiration for his talents and the music we were making, but also a love for his unfailing kindness and warmth.
