In Friday’s (11/30) Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester, New York), Stuart Low writes, “The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra will search for a new music director, following its board’s decision to terminate Arild Remmereit’s contract at the end of the 2012-2013 season. The RPO board voted Wednesday to keep him only until August—just two years into his four-year contract. No reasons were given for the sudden action, and it’s unclear whether the Norwegian conductor will stay for the entire season. ‘Arild has invigorated audiences with his focus on women composers and lesser known works, and his energy and innovative programming will be missed,’ said board chair Elizabeth F. Rice in a statement. ‘For a variety of reasons, however, the RPO has decided that it is best to move forward without Arild as music director.’ She said that the orchestra will work out details of his departure and form a search committee to find a new music director. The move to dismiss Remmereit comes at a critical time for the orchestra. As of September, officials said the deficit for this fiscal year could reach more than $700,000. The RPO also is in negotiations with its musicians on a new contract. … Remmereit clashed with RPO President Charles Owens and Rice for most of last season over administrative and artistic priorities.”
Posted November 30, 2012
