In Wednesday’s (10/6) Columbus Dispatch (Ohio), Jeffrey Sheban writes, “After a near-death experience and two years without a maestro, the Columbus Symphony has turned to a youthful French Canadian to help restore some lost luster. Montreal native Jean-Marie Zeitouni was introduced yesterday as the seventh music director in the symphony’s 60-year history. … ‘I’m so thrilled to be here,’ said a beaming Zeitouni, speaking to about 200 invited guests at the Southern Theatre. ‘The music itself is the main reason I’m here.’ He proceeded to thank musicians for persevering despite significant pay cuts as well as donors and concertgoers ‘for not giving up on the orchestra.’ Zeitouni, 36, emerged from a field of nine contenders after an 18-month search. … He has a 10-year affiliation, most recently as principal guest conductor, with Les Violons du Roy, a Quebec City chamber orchestra. Last season, his busiest, he was guest-conducting symphonies in Edmonton, Alberta; Montreal; Toronto; and Vancouver, British Columbia, as well as Columbus (three times); Omaha, Neb.; and San Antonio.” A previous Dispatch article quoted in Media View incorrectly stated that Zeitouni was formerly principal guest conductor with the Montreal Symphony.
Photo by Pierre Étienne Bergeron
Posted October 7, 2010
