In Wednesday’s (11/12) Star Tribune (Minneapolis), Graydon Royce reports, “Kevin Smith will be the president and CEO of the Minnesota Orchestra through 2018. Smith was hired last summer as interim president, following the departure of Michael Henson. He has received good reviews from most people associated with the orchestra and the board decided to remove the interim title this week. ‘In a relatively short period of time at the Minnesota Orchestra, Kevin Smith has established trust across the organization and built significant momentum,’ board chair Gordon Sprenger said in a statement.” Smith, who retired as president of the Minnesota Opera in 2011 following a 25-year tenure, “is highly respected in the Twin Cities arts community and in the national classical music world. Sprenger, in a news release, cited his knowledge and ability to build relationships as a key factor in the board’s decision—which brings stability to the organization.” Music Director Osmo Vänska “said he has been ‘impressed by Kevin’s ability to listen and to bring people together.’ Principal cellist Anthony Ross, co-chair of the musician’s Artistic Advisory Committee, said in a statement that ‘The musicians are delighted with the news that Kevin Smith has accepted a long-term contract.’ ”
Posted November 13, 2014
Kevin Smith photo by Richard Tsong-Taatarii / Star Tribune
