In Sunday’s (4/19) Commercial Appeal (Memphis, Tennessee), Jon W. Sparks writes, “The Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s 2009-10 season will feature numerous guest conductors, including the recently announced music director candidates, in an array of classical, operatic, and pops offerings. The symphony is also revamping how it offers concerts to subscribers. What has been called the First Tennessee Masterworks Series—usually performed on Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons—is being divided into the ‘Grand Series’ on Saturdays and ‘Sundays with the Symphony Series.’ … Guest conductors will lead, including the three conductor candidates: Mei-Ann Chen, assistant conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra; Thomas Wilkins, music director of the Omaha Symphony Orchestra, and Alastair Willis, former associate conductor of the Seattle Symphony. Retiring maestro David Loebel will continue through the season as music director as visitors take on most conducting duties.” Chen is serving in Atlanta on a League of American Orchestras American Conductor fellowship and Willis was a participant of the League’s National Conductor Preview in 1999.
Posted April 21, 2009
