In Friday’s (11/18) Detroit Free Press, Mark Stryker reports, “Detroit Symphony Orchestra music director Leonard Slatkin has two new contracts to celebrate—one with his orchestra and one with his fiancée. Slatkin, 67, signed a new 3-year deal with the DSO on Tuesday, extending his tenure through the 2015-16 season. On Sunday Slatkin will also marry composer Cindy McTee at their home in Bloomfield Hills. The DSO announced Slatkin’s contract extension tonight. The deal reaffirms his commitment to Detroit and sends a signal locally and nationally that the orchestra continues to take steps to move beyond last season’s debilitating six-month strike. ‘I truly believe in a brighter and positive future here,’ said Slatkin. ‘I see a lot of things that are positive for the arts and the community, and I want to be a part of it. … I think my continued presence will help us get through to people who don’t live here. We need to be able to attract musicians and show stability here.’ … Slatkin will continue to conduct a minimum of 14 weeks per season under the new contract. Financial terms were not disclosed, but Slatkin said the 30% reduction in compensation that he volunteered during the DSO’s recent struggles remains in place and the deal includes no raises.”
Posted November 18, 2011
