“Eugene Symphony President Matthew Shapiro announced the selection of Francesco Lecce-Chong at a formal presentation Wednesday,” writes Tess Novortny in Wednesday’s (4/26) Register-Guard (Eugene, OR). “Lecce-Chong will start his position on July 1, and he has been hired for a four-year term…. Search committee chair Roger Saydack … described their lengthy selection process, and noted that they wanted a director and conductor who would be a good fit for the Eugene community. Their main criterion, he said, was the level of musicianship and ability to engage with the orchestra on a deep level…. Mayor Lucy Vinis also congratulated and welcomed Lecce-Chong during the presentation…. Lecce-Chong beamed throughout the presentation and enthusiastically spoke with members of the audience when it ended…. Growing up in Boulder, Colo., he admired orchestra conductors in the city and knew he wanted to be on someday.” Said Lecce-Chong, “I’m so delighted to be here, and I can’t wait to get to work.” Lecce-Chong holds degrees from Mannes College of Music and Curtis Institute of Music. Most recently he was assistant conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and music director of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra, and previously was associate conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.
Posted April 27, 2017
