As we await the final results from the XIV Tchaikovsky International Competition, let me take a moment and wish Esa-Pekka Salonen a very happy birthday. The Principal Conductor of the Philharmonia and Conductor Laureate of the Los Angeles Philharmonic turns 53 today.
Mrs. CKDH always loved the publicity poster of E-PS where he held is baton up so that you could see his flexing bicep peeking out from his ubiquitous black polo shirt. I couldn't find that picture, so she'll have to settle for this one. (photo: Genaro Molina, Los Angeles Times)
