In Sunday’s (2/8) Charlotte Observer (North Carolina), Steven Brown writes about the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s music director search, highlighting two candidates who particularly impressed him. “With Andrew Grams, who got a jump on the contest as a last-minute substitute in April 2007, the orchestra delivered a ringing and polished all-Tchaikovsky program that transcended its sonic limitations. When Grams returned for his tryout in October, he again generated zesty performances. Rossen Milanov, the last candidate, also spurred the orchestra to the unprecedented: in his case, brooding Rachmaninoff and scintillating Debussy. If only the choice were as simple as deciding who can lead the orchestra to musical heights. Helping dig it out of a financial hole will also be part of the new music director’s job.” These candidates are also actively auditioning for other posts, however. “By the end of this season, Grams will have guest-conducted four more orchestras seeking leaders: the Fort Wayne Philharmonic in Indiana; the San Antonio Symphony in Texas; the New Jersey Symphony; and in May, the Utah Symphony. Milanov hits New Jersey in March and San Antonio in May.” Andrew Grams is a former League of American Orchestras American Conducting Fellow.
