In Friday’s (3/7) Arizona Daily Star, Cathalena Burch reports, “Tucson Symphony Orchestra’s executive director abruptly resigned late Wednesday, saying in a written statement that he had accomplished what he set out to do when he was hired less than three years ago. ‘I was asked to transform the TSO and make them more relevant. Mission accomplished,’ Andrew Birgensmith wrote Thursday. ‘I’m certain more people know and recognize the TSO brand and high artistic quality than ever before. I think the world of the TSO. Its staff, board and musicians are some of the best people I’ve ever worked with.’ Neither Birgensmith nor TSO officials would comment on the sudden move, which comes as the orchestra is wrapping up its 2013-14 season.… The orchestra also is in the middle of a search to replace longtime Music Director/Conductor George Hanson, who leaves after next season.… The resignation comes eight months after the orchestra extended Birgensmith’s contract through June 2018. George Steele, who has served on the TSO board of directors for nearly 30 years, has been named acting president and executive director and will lead the search for Birgensmith’s replacement.”
Posted March 10, 2014
