In Saturday’s (3/17) Oregonian (Portland), David Stabler writes, “The Metropolitan Youth Symphony has named Andres Lopera to succeed founder Lajos Balogh as its next music director. Born in Columbia, Lopera has experience with youth orchestras in North and South America, including working in programs in Uruguay inspired by Venezuela’s famed music education program, ‘El Sistema.’ A trombone player, Lopera is assistant conductor of the New England Conservatory’s Youth Symphony, and directs the Boston Latin-American Orchestra. He was chosen from 73 applicants. Lopera has experience building programs. He founded Follia Chorale, a vocal ensemble in Columbia, as well as the Boston Latin-American Orchestra, a chamber orchestra that performs Latin-American music in unusual locations. … Balogh founded MYS in 1974, and expanded its programs to 12 ensembles in orchestra, band and jazz. Lopera takes over July 1, when Balogh will become the orchestra’s first conductor emeritus.”
Posted March 19, 2012
