“The founding music director and conductor of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic announced he will step down from his position at the end of the 2017-18 season,” states an unsigned report in Tuesday’s (3/3) Oklahoman. “Joel Levine told the board of directors at a Feb. 24 meeting he will accept one final three-year contract before resigning. ‘The timing feels right, and the orchestra will benefit from new leadership and new ideas,’ Levine said in a released statement. ‘I wanted to give the board adequate time to conduct a thorough and thoughtful search for my successor.’ Philharmonic Executive Director Eddie Walker said plans already are underway to identify candidates. The board is assembling a search committee and is developing its process and timeline. The orchestra’s president, John Higginbotham, said Levine helped create one of the most successful and stable orchestras in the country. ‘(Levine’s) rare ability as conductor to educate and connect to his audience has led to his popularity and the Philharmonic’s success,’ Higginbotham said. ‘Generations to come will benefit from his vision and leadership.’ Levine became the Philharmonic’s music director when the orchestra formed in 1988.”
Posted March 6, 2015
