Andris Nelsons painting unveiled in Birmingham

11 November 2013, 16:35

The CBSO music director has been immortalised by artist Norman Perryman as part of the Symphony Hall collection.

Andris Nelsons' five seasons as the music director of the CBSO orchestra are being celebrated by artist Norman Perryman with a new painting, unveiled at Birmingham's Symphony Hall.

Explaining the painting, Perryman commented: "Nelsons’ energy is phenomenal! He gives this music precision and power, yet air and transparency. So I’ve tried to keep a lot of space and dynamic freedom in my somewhat calligraphic painting. Sharing his excitement, I’ve made my watercolour splash and flow with the music. The colours rise from the strings, then zig-zag upwards like those soaring sounds."

Perryman took inspiration from a CBSO concert back in April where the orchestra played Beethoven's Symphony No. 7. As Nelsons' own recording has not been released yet, the conductor suggested Perryman listen to a version by Carlos Kleiber to shape his painting.

It's the 29th work to be added to the collection of 'action portraits' commissioned by Jayne Cadbury, capturing esteemed classical musicians at work. Fellow conductors who have featured include Nelsons' CBSO predecessors, Sir Simon Rattle and Sakari Oramo.