Bernard Haitink: The Enigmatic Maestro

For many years, Bernard Haitink conducted the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, he served as music director of the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden and was the principal conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He garnered numerous awards and honors, his recordings are studied by musicians and students, and orchestras have said that, when he is behind the baton, “they sound different." At age 92, as he is set to retire, Haitink carefully summarizes his glowing career. For someone his age, who is the object of admiration of musicians around the world, Haitink seems to lack the “show-off” quality that so many conductors possess, certainly those who have attained his level of success. In this film, which follows Haitink as he prepares for his final concert, we see the humble, serious, and hesitant Dutchman carefully formulate his thoughts. His job, he says, is to embrace the orchestra without stifling it.