In Wednesday’s (2/16) Boston Globe, Jeremy Eichler writes, “The Boston Symphony Orchestra announced today that it has appointed Thomas Wilkins its conductor of Youth and Family Concerts. This morning at Symphony Hall, Wilkins will lead the first of six programs for young audiences from area schools. On Saturday he will lead two additional programs geared toward families. Wilkins, 54, is in his sixth season as music director of the Omaha Symphony, and he is also the principal guest conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. At the BSO, he will be the first African-American to hold any conducting appointment in the orchestra’s history. Beyond leading the annual youth and family concerts, Wilkins will also participate in the BSO’s other educational and outreach activities.” Speaking to Eichler by phone, Wilkins noted “that his belief in the importance of musical outreach work stems from the transformative role music played in his own early life. … Wilkins’s new post with the Boston Symphony was last occupied by Keith Lockhart, who held it for almost a decade before giving it up in 2004 to focus on his commitments to the Pops.”
Posted February 16, 2011
