In Sunday’s (5/27) State Journal-Register (Springfield, Illinois), Brien Murphy writes, “On Wednesday, barring any last-minute snags, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra will bring its two-year search for a new conductor to a coda. Officials of the orchestra, which performs in Springfield and Bloomington, plan to announce which of the five finalists who auditioned this past season will become the next artistic leader of central Illinois’ professional orchestra. The ISO then will begin introducing its new conductor to patrons, assembling a new season of concerts, and taking other steps into the future of classical music in central Illinois. … The search for a new conductor—the official title is music director—began about two years ago, when the orchestra’s board chose not to renew the contract of Karen Lynne Deal, after 11 seasons at the podium. Judith Kurnick, vice president for strategic communications for the League of American Orchestras in New York City, said a two-year search is not uncommon. Conductors often book concerts several years in advance, making their availability tricky to pin down. Many orchestras have finalists conduct over the course of a season. … The next conductor will be asked to do many things besides conduct. The conductor selects music people want to hear and musicians want to play. He or she will become the most visible figure in the orchestra’s organization and make personal appearances at schools, fundraisers and community meetings.”
Posted May 29, 2012
