“The Cleveland Orchestra has a new assistant conductor,” writes Zachary Lewis in Saturday’s (2/16) Plain Dealer (Cleveland). “On Friday, the ensemble announced the appointment of Brett Mitchell, music director of Michigan’s Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra, as its new assistant conductor, effective in September at the commencement of the 2013-14 season. Mitchell succeeds James Feddeck, the current assistant conductor and a skilled performer on oboe, organ and piano, who plans to step down this summer after a four-year term. The position typically lasts two years. As assistant conductor, Mitchell will be charged with providing assistance to Cleveland Orchestra music director Franz Welser-Most and covering under short notice for any conductors who may be unable to perform. He also will serve as music director of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, a distinguished ensemble composed of talented high school musicians all over the region. Last summer, the group completed a tour of Europe. Mitchell is currently in his third year with Saginaw Bay, a professional ensemble now in its 77th season. … A native of Seattle, Mitchell holds degrees from Western Washington University and the University of Texas at Austin.”
Posted February 19, 2013
