In Tuesday’s (11/8) Prospector (University of Texas El Paso), Natalia Aguilar writes, “The El Paso Symphony Orchestra is in search of a new conductor to direct the 2011-12 season. The search is taking a new approach in which the audience is welcome to participate in choosing the new EPSO leader. Out of 250 applicants, only six talented candidates were chosen to perform two concerts every month. During the two performances and during rehearsals, a search committee, the audience and the orchestra will evaluate each candidate. … Kenneth Raskin was the first of the six composers to open the 81st season. Next was David Handel on Oct. 22 and the search continues Nov. 18 and 19 at the Plaza Theatre with conductor Lawrence Loh. Michael Butterman, Peter Rubardt and Mariusz Smolij will be the remaining conductors for the concerts to come. … ‘I think it’s really cool they’re letting the audience members choose and I think that is very special since the conductor is the representation of El Paso Symphony and that is a symbol of the city itself,’ said Priscilla Mora, senior music major. ‘The audience hasn’t really had the chance to give feedback and we’re usually always the observers. It’s nice to be able to have our input.’ ”
Posted November 9, 2011
