In Monday’s (6/25) Statesman Journal (Salem, Oregon), Barbara Curtin writes, “Salem Chamber Orchestra has hired a musician with deep Willamette University ties as principal conductor for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Nikolas Caoile (pronounced ‘Cah-WILL-ee’) is the director of orchestral activities at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Wash. He’ll continue in that position and as music director of the Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra. Caoile, 34, conducted two concerts in the chamber orchestra’s 2011-12 season. He’s a Willamette University alum who earned a bachelor’s in music composition in 2000. He went on to earn his master’s in conducting at the University of Washington (2003), then his doctorate in orchestral conducting at University of Michigan (2007). Noreen Murdock, the orchestra’s executive director, said Caoile was hired because ‘He was an amazing musician, first and foremost.’ … Caoile is the first principal conductor in the orchestra’s history. For the past four years, the orchestra has hired guest conductors for each concert. Before that, the music director position was held by a music faculty member at Willamette University. The guest conductor approach offered the chance to experience many different styles, but the musicians came to want more continuity, said Murdock. Caoile’s contract with the orchestra runs through the 2013-14 season.”
Posted June 27, 2012
