“The Cincinnati World Piano Competition has reversed the reported dismissal of its artistic director, saying that the action was not authorized or recognized by its board of directors,” writes Janelle Gelfand in Tuesday’s (7/29) Cincinnati Enquirer (Ohio). “Awadagin Pratt, who was dismissed by executive director and CEO Mark Ernster on July 8, will continue in the role of artistic director. The competition also announced on Wednesday that Ernster resigned from his position on July 20. Board chair Jack Rouse, who had resigned on July 8, returned as chairman on July 26…. The leaders of the competition’s partner organizations—Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra president Trey Devey and Peter Landgren, dean of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music—said … that they remain supportive of Pratt’s artistic leadership and that their commitment to the competition remains strong…. The shakeup began after a board meeting on July 8, when Pratt said that he received an email from Ernster, thanking him for his services, which would no longer be needed…. Three board members, including Rouse, resigned immediately. As of Wednesday, Rouse and Jennifer MacFarland Barrett have rejoined the board.… The board will undergo a search for Ernster’s successor immediately.”
Posted July 30, 2015
