Twenty Minutes - Land of Music

To mark a Proms 2009 concert by the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra from Bavaria, Scottish-born horn player Fergus McWilliam reports on the respect classical music still commands in Germany, and on the riches of regional music-making in a country which still has around 130 symphony orchestras and numerous chamber ensembles. After decades playing with the Berlin Philharmonic, where he also sits on the orchestra's board, Fergus is these days less surprised by the abundance of classical bands in Germany. And he says that still it's only the very best that boast the very best conductors and standards. Joining him to discuss the depth of talent and sheer exuberance of the country's classical output are the principal conductor of the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra Jonathan Nott and veteran Berlin music critic Klaus Geitel.