The music conductor is said to be the West's last legitimate dictator, but Hong Kong's flagship orchestra will democratise - albeit just a little - in its choice of the next artistic chief to replace Edo de Waart.
The decision was for the board of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra to make, but the views and preferences of staff musicians would be considered, Liu Yuen-seng, chairman of the board of governors, said.
Liu denied reports that a decision had already been made on hiring Dutch conductor Jaap van Zweden to succeed his compatriot de Waart as the orchestra's artistic director.
'Nothing has been signed and we are open to potential candidates to work with the orchestra during this and next concert seasons, up to the end of Edo's contract in mid-2012', he said.
Liu said there were 70 potential candidates last year, and this had been shortlisted to just over 10.
The initial list, he said, was generated with professional input, including observations made at last year's Proms in London and advice from performing arts agencies and specialists such as Graham Sheffield, the former West Kowloon authority chief executive. 'The candidates have been scheduled to perform with the orchestra, and all players are invited to a written survey, anonymously, to express their opinions after each performance,' he said.