“Conductor Han-Na Chang resigned Monday from her post as music director of the Qatar Philharmonic, one day after the orchestra’s concert at the BBC Proms in London, citing ‘persistent administrative difficulties and irreconcilable artistic differences with the management,’ ” reports Brian Wise on Monday’s (9/8) WQXR.org, the website of the New York City classical music station. “Chang was the orchestra’s third music director since 2007, when the ensemble was founded with the expressed aim of promoting Western music in the Arab world. Her departure is sudden: she was scheduled to lead the orchestra in Rome on Tuesday night, but withdrew, due to ‘unexpected visa complications.’ She added in a statement: ‘It is a very sad day for me. Just over a year ago I was honoured to take up this position. At that time I made clear my belief that the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra could become an international ensemble of excellence and I have had the privilege of seeing that belief vindicated through the skill, hard work and commitment of this wonderful group of players, culminating in the orchestra’s debut at the Proms yesterday. … I wish the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra all the very best for its future.’ ”
Posted September 10, 2014
