In Monday’s (1/30) Patriot-News (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania), David N. Dunkle writes, “The baton is passing at Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, as assistant conductor Tara Simoncic departs and well-known high school and youth orchestra conductor Gregory Woodbridge takes her place. Principal duties of the position including serving as music director and conductor of the Harrisburg Youth Symphony Orchestra, plus attending all HSO rehearsals and filling in at the podium for maestro Stuart Malina when necessary. ‘I’m thrilled on two levels,’ Woodbridge said. ‘First is the opportunity to corral all of the tremendous young musical talent in this region into one organization. I love doing that sort of thing. And second is working closely with Stuart and the players of HSO. I have tremendous respect for them.’ Simoncic, who was hired in 2010, will depart amicably in June after two years on the job. She opted not to seek a third year available in her HSO contract, instead returning to New York City to pursue other interests that she hopes will include more work conducting ballet. … One of Simoncic’s final public appearances will come May 5 and 6, when she is scheduled to conduct the adult HSO in a pops concert titled ‘Motown Magic.’ ”
Posted January 31, 2012
