Berlin Philharmonic's rhapsody in black

On June 26th Wayne Marshall conducts the Berlin Philharmonic in a programme of music by Gershwin, Bernstein and John Williams. Back in 1945 Rudolph Dunbar was the orchestra's first - and only to date? - black conductor , so Wayne Marshall's appearance is noteworthy. But on the Berlin orchestra's website seen above the featured musician is percussionist Martin Grubinger who performs John Williams' 'Percussive Planet'. Grubinger is also the lead in the concert summary, with Wayne Marshall consigned to a footnote. Which some marketeers will see as a missed promotional opportunity, or worse. But others may see it as an enlightened strategy of treating a musician of colour not as click bait, but as a hugely talented conductor who does not require a marketing makeover.

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