Friday (8/12) on the local news site Norwalk Patch (Connecticut), David Gurliacci reports, “The Norwalk Symphony Society has announced that Jonathan Yates will replace Diane Wittry as the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra’s newest conductor and musical director. ‘I felt he, at this time, is best positioned to lead NSO in a vertical way that will connect with our loyal base of fans and open doors to many new ones,’ said Emil Albanese, the president of the board of governors. ‘It was a very difficult decision because of the level of talent the position with NSO attracted.’ … Yates said he’d try to strengthen the orchestra, which has had financial problems severe enough to lead to canceling the tail end of the last season (a final replacement concert was presented in May). … Yates said he also wants to have chamber concerts in the communities surrounding Norwalk and create partnerships with community organizations, such as church choirs and schools. … New music is also an interest. He has been a part of various premieres of new works, and was the recipient of an award from ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) for adventurous programming.” The article also includes a brief video interview in which Yates discusses his plans for the orchestra.
Posted August 15, 2011
