In Friday’s (9/10) Commercial Appeal (Memphis, Tennessee), Jon W. Sparks writes, “Tonight, Mei-Ann Chen will lead the Memphis Symphony Orchestra for the first time as music director. Expectations are high, and not just regarding her abilities at the podium. Major challenges face the organization. The good news is that the symphony has been preparing to confront those tests of economic survival and relevance to the community. Chen, named music director in February, is a key part of that plan and will be deeply involved in those areas in addition to her mission to elevate the music. … The 36-year-old Taiwan-born conductor impressed the search committee of board members, musicians and community representatives with her rapport with the orchestra, her energy and her ideas to boost the symphony during the three years of her contract. … Chen is aware of the challenges and possibilities of her new position. She notes that the Memphis Symphony is being watched from afar as an exemplar of how to survive and thrive. The orchestra was the cover story of the July/August 2010 edition of Symphony magazine, published by the League of American Orchestras.” Chen was a member of the League’s most recent American Conducting Fellows Program.
Posted September 13, 2010
