In Wednesday’s (5/8) Pioneer Press (St. Paul, Minnesota), Kathy Berdan writes, “After a season marred by a bitter contract dispute and a musician lockout, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra got some positive news Tuesday, May 7. The committee looking for a new president for the organization unanimously recommended the return of former SPCO president Bruce Coppock, who was president and managing director from 1999 to 2008. Coppock left the SPCO to battle a rare form of cancer he was diagnosed with in 2006. Coppock is in remission after extensive chemotherapy, and since 2009 has been a volunteer, teacher and consultant. He most recently served as managing director of the Cleveland Orchestra’s Miami Residency. … During his tenure with the SPCO, Coppock saw wholesale changes in the way the orchestra operates, according to a Pioneer Press profile in 2008. Among the most visible changes was the SPCO’s decision, in 2003, to jettison the traditional role of music director in favor of a rotating group of ‘artistic partners.’ … The search committee’s recommendation will be ratified by the SPCO board of directors at its May 21 meeting. Coppock will start work in June. … Dobson West has been serving in the dual role of president and chair of the SPCO board since Coppock’s successor, Sarah Lutman, left in March of 2012, and will continue to serve as board chair after Coppock assumes the presidency.”
Posted May 8, 2013
