“To help lead the increasingly populist aspects of its repertoire, guest artists, and collaborations, the Philadelphia Orchestra is restocking its roster of conductors,” reports Peter Dobrin in Monday’s (4/28) Philadelphia Inquirer. “Stéphane Denève, the ebullient French conductor of the corkscrew locks who has been a frequent visitor to the orchestra’s podium, will become principal guest conductor in the fall. Romanian-born Cristian Macelaru, the orchestra’s associate conductor, will take the upgraded title of conductor in residence.… Macelaru said he would no longer act as cover conductor—effectively an understudy. Those duties now fall to Lio Kuokman, 32, who will have the new title of assistant conductor. The Macau-born Curtis Institute and Juilliard School graduate will also lead family and neighborhood concerts. … Orchestra music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin is almost halfway through a contract that ends in 2017, and though he and the orchestra are expected to agree to an extension, they have not yet done so. Asked about a new deal, [Orchestra President Allison] Vulgamore said: ‘I think we’re all very much in love. At the appropriate moment, the conversation will be renewed, but it is not slated to happen at any particular time.’ ”
Posted April 28, 2014
