Daniele Rustioni signs off from Ulster Orchestra after five great years conducting an epic Mahler's Symphony No.2

Rustioni signs off after five Great Years The final concert of the Ul- ster Orchestra's season to a packed audience in the Wa- terfront Hall on Friday was memorable on so many dif- ferentlevelsthatitis difficult to know where to begin. First off there was the gargantuan 8o-minute Second Symphony by Gustav Mahler with the weighty title of ‘Resurrection Symphony' because it deals throughout with the issues of life and death which face every human being. (...) However, the biggest challenge of all lay on the shoulders of the chief conductor Daniele Rustioni in holding it all together and exploring every nuance of the complicated score in all its moods, and lights and shades. Rustioni achieved this admirably, as the large audience, comprising people of all ages, listened intently throughout. At the end there was a sense of achievement at finishing this unforgttable shared journey, and the audience gave everyone on the stage a prolonged standing ovation. Despite the beauty of the music, and the inspiration of Mahler's musical tour de force, there was also a sense of sadness because this was Daniele Rustioni's final appearance as chief conductor after five years in which he raised the standards of the orchestra even higher to become one of the best regional ensembles in the British Islesand further afield. During his tenure Rustioni guided the orchestra through adventurous and innovative seasons, which also had some of the best-loved and most familiar music in the classical repertoire. Rustioni also led the orchestra in a number of tours to some of the most prestigious concert halls in Europe, as well as a highly-acclaimed Prom in the Royal Albert Hall two years ago. Happily he will also conduct the orchestra in its London Proms in August 18, and the returns to the Ulster Hall for a one-off concert next May. Daniele has leŁ the Ulster Orchestra in a good place, and professionally he has the world at his feet. Personally he is also in a good place. Only a month ago he and his wife the violinist Francesca Dego, who is the Ulster Orchestra's inaugu- ral artist in focus, had a baby daughter Sophia Charlotte. So we wish them well, and look to the future. As Daniele said recently “Don't worry I'll be back.It's not farewell but arrivederci!”
Newsletter by Alf McCreary

‘Don't worry... I plan to be back again, and to stay close' Renowned conductor's message ahead of final performance with Ulster Orchestra TIMING is everything for a conductor, and after five years with the Ulster Orchestra, Daniele Rustioni has chosen tonight to lead his final concert in charge in Belfast after recently becoming a father. (...) Rustioni is also celebrating his honorary appointment as Music Conductor Laureate, a title awarded to him in recognition of his outstanding service to the Ulster Orchestra. Under his leadership, it is now regarded as on of the top reginal orchestras in the British Isles. (...)
Ulster Orchestra Chairman Leslie Morrison said: "Daniele has been an outstanding Director of Music, with some truly memorable concerts. Most of all he established an emotional connection with concert-goers, who hugely appreciate his musically, energy and personal charm." (...) Patrick McCarthy, the Or- chestra's Artistic Director, said: “From his very first downbeat as a conductor several years ago it was clear that we had someone very special in front of the Or- chestra, and that same energy, spark and spirit have endured. “So there will be a sweet sad- ness in our final concerts togeth- er.” Happily, Rustioni will conduct the Orchestra at the BBC Lon- don Proms in August, and he is scheduled for a concert here next May. “Tonight will be a special occa- sion with such a terrific concert featuring Mahler's which is an incredible musical journey. “Don't worry, however, I plan to be back again, and to stay close. So it's not, ‘Farewell'. “It's, ‘Arrivederci — till we meet again!'”

Belfast Telegraph,By Alf DcCreary