The Oundjian Era Begins In Toronto

Ever since Peter Oundjian was appointed music director of the Toronto Symphony, questions have abounded about whether the hometown kid and relative newcomer to conducting really has enough game to lead one of North America’s top ensembles. Oundjian clearly isn’t lacking in confidence, however, and his first programs with the TSO featured Beethoven’s 7th and Mahler’s 1st, two of the most well-worn staples of the romantic era. The result, according to William Littler, was not unimpressive, but “bravery is not a synonym for wisdom,” and Toronto may need to have some patience with its still-developing conductor.