INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Atlantic Classical Orchestra (ACO) has announced the four finalists for the future Music Director of the orchestra. Each of these finalists will conduct the orchestra during the 2016 Masterworks series, January through April 2016 in Vero Beach, Stuart, and Palm Beach Gardens.
In discussing the search, ACO Board Chair, Dr. Marie Jureit-Beamish said, “Just having celebrated the silver anniversary of one of the premier classical orchestras in the United States, the Atlantic Classical Orchestra is launching an exciting season to introduce four internationally renowned conductors to the audiences of the Treasure Coast and Palm Beach County.”
“Selected from a pool of over 125 applications from around the world, each of the four finalists will conduct one of the Masterworks series beginning this coming January. This is a rare opportunity for our audiences to experience the highest level of music performance under the baton of these great conductors, with the expectation of appointing one of the finalists to lead the ACO into the future. I am thrilled to be a part of this important time in the development of our great orchestra!”
The search committee is comprised of ACO President Alan Hopper, the ACO musicians’ representative, and board members.
Hopper said, “In addition to the performances, each finalist will make various community appearances and will be vetted by the search committee based on feedback from orchestra musicians, audience members, leaders in the community, and ultimately, the Orchestra’s board of directors. At the end of the season, the new Music Director will be announced.”
This much anticipated announcement comes after Artistic Director and Conductor Stewart Robertson’s retirement at the end of the 2015 season. After 11 years with the ACO Robertson is reluctantly passing the baton due to health reasons.
“Maestro Robertson’s vision for the ACO has led the orchestra through an in incredible period of artistic growth which has certainly helped attract the interest of so many talented candidates,” Hopper said.
“Not only do we have an exciting season in store with these four talented conductors but we have a brilliant lineup slated with our guest artists; Award winning pianist Lindsay Garritson will be returning as will ACO’s very own violinist and Concertmaster, Leonid Sigal. Renowned pianist Jon Nakamatsu will perform Beethoven’s piano concerto No 4 and Giora Schmidt will amaze with his stunning rendition of Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto.”
The Guest Conductor finalists with guest artists in order of appearance:
David Amado, Music Director of the Delaware symphony. For the opening night Masterworks, Amado’s program will include Shostakovich’s piano concerto no. 2 with pianist Lindsay Garritson (January 13th-15th).
David Loebel, Associate Director of the New England Conservatory. In February, Loebel’s program highlight will be Ravel’s Tzigane with violinist Leonid Sigal, ACO Concertmaster. Ravel and Respighi will round out the repertoire. (February 10th – 12th).
Rei Hotoda, Associate Conductor of the Utah Symphony Orchestra. In March the program features Beethoven’s Piano concerto No 4 in G with pianist Jon Nakamatsu. (March 9th -11th).
David Handel, Principal Guest Conductor of the Moscow Symphony- Russian Philharmonic. Handel’s program will include Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto with American/Israeli violinist, Giora Schmidt and Beethoven’s beloved Symphony No. 8. (April 6th – 8th).
In keeping with ACO tradition, each finalist will also present a 30-minute pre-concert lecture to introduce themselves and their program to the ACO patrons.
The ACO continues its collaborations with the Blake Library in Stuart and the Vero Beach Museum of Art. The Chamber Music Series will take place at the Blake Library in the John F. Armstrong Wing at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and is free admission. Concerts at the Vero Beach Museum of Art will take place in the Leonhardt Auditorium at 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoons, followed by a post-concert wine and cheese reception.
For the full schedule and more information, visit. www.ACO-music.org.
