In Thursday’s (12/10) Commercial Appeal (Memphis), Jon W. Sparks writes, “The trio of candidates hoping to become the next music director of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra has become a quartet. Robert Moody, who has been guest conductor for the symphony several times, was officially added Wednesday to the roster of maestros vying to succeed retiring conductor David Loebel. Moody is music director for the Winston-Salem (N.C.) Symphony, music director for the Portland (Maine) Symphony Orchestra and artistic director for Arizona Musicfest. … The other candidates are Mei-Ann Chen, assistant conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; Thomas Wilkins, music director of the Omaha Symphony, and Alastair Willis, former associate conductor of the Seattle Symphony. All have auditioned as guest conductors this season. Paul Bert, search committee chairman, said that from the beginning, ‘the committee agreed to be flexible and reserve the right to add additional candidates.’ A decision on naming the new music director is expected around February.”
Posted December 11, 2009
