February 23, 2011

State Journal Register

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra on Wednesday revealed the five finalists in its search for a new musical director.

The announcement is the next step that will lead to selection of a new conductor for the 2012-2013 concert season.

The contract of the current musical director, Karen Lynne Deal, expires at the end of this season. Next year’s concerts will be conducted by the candidates under the musical direction of former ISO conductor Kenneth Kiesler.

Roger Hunt of Bloomington, who co-chairs the selection committee with Martine Paludan of Springfield, said they looked not only at musical talent, but also at the candidates’ potential for being a leader within the symphony organization and in the community.

“We were looking for what type of experience they’d had — things that would fit well within our Springfield community and Bloomington-Normal in terms of what we expect in the Midwest, and (people who would) feel comfortable both living and working here,” Hunt said.

Hunt said 30 people were invited to apply for the position. Of the 27 who were interested, Hunt said about a dozen were given in-depth phone interviews. They also submitted videos of themselves conducting, which were reviewed by members of the committee and many of the principal players from the orchestra.

Each of the five finalists will conduct two concerts next year: a full symphony orchestra program with a guest soloist and a smaller chamber symphony concert. Because there are only four chamber concerts in a season, one of the candidates will instead conduct the annual education concert for schoolchildren. Kiesler himself will lead the annual holiday pops concert.

ISO executive director Trevor Orthmann said the candidates will be evaluated not only by the committee, but also by the musicians in the orchestra and members of the public, who will have a chance to meet the conductors during pre-concert lectures and at other events.

The season, which will be developed by Orthmann and the candidates in collaboration with Kiesler, is to be announced in late March or early April.

For orchestras the size of the ISO, many conductors have multiple music directorships. Orthmann said he recognizes the economic realities of the industry and is open to that possibility.

“We want music directors that are conducting other orchestras — that’s how they get better, that’s how they stay fresh,” Orthmann said.

Hunt agreed, but added that the next conductor will be expected to spend time in the area, “so they can understand and be a part of the community.”

Candidates

The five finalists for music director of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra are:

Donato Cabrera , Rei Hotoda, Kenneth Raskin, Andrew Sewell, Alastair Willis

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