“The Seattle Symphony’s music director Ludovic Morlot will step down in 2019, at a time in which he is celebrated for re-energizing the orchestra,” reports Joel Connelly in Friday’s (4/21) Seattle Post-Intelligencer. “At his date of departure, Morlot will have spent eight years at the helm of the symphony. ‘We are in the midst of a wonderful, stimulating and exciting artistic journey and I look forward to continuing this the next two seasons. However, I feel that by 2019 the time will be right for me to explore new musical horizons and for the symphony to benefit from the inspiration of new artistic leadership,’ ” Morlot stated. “While stepping down in 2019, Morlot said his collaboration with the Seattle Symphony will not end. ‘I’m looking forward to many exciting performances in the coming years and to returning as a guest conductor,’ he said. … He was praised Friday as ‘an inspirational guide and an unflagging champion’ by David Sabee, chair of the Seattle Symphony and Opera Players’ Organization. Morlot’s programming ideas included a late-night series for ‘adventurous’ listeners held in the lobby of Benaroya Hall, Sonic Evolution, and tributes to hip-hop and rock-and-roll legends. The symphony won three Grammy Awards under his baton.”
Posted April 24, 2017
Photo of Ludovic Morlot conducting the Seattle Symphony by Chris Lee
