“The Manhattan-based Orchestra of St. Luke’s, an ensemble with a four-decade history, has named Bernard Labadie as its principal conductor, effective with the 2018-19 season” reports Charles Passy in Wednesday’s (5/3) Wall Street Journal (subscription required). “He replaces Pablo Heras-Casado, who will assume the role of conductor laureate. Mr. Labadie, who is 54 years old, comes to the orchestra after a long career in his native Canada, where he founded two groups: Les Violons du Roy and La Chapelle de Québec. He also has guest conducted throughout the U.S. and Europe, including appearances with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony and Cleveland Orchestra.… The Orchestra of St. Luke’s, which has an annual budget of $7 million and performs about 80 concerts a season, has carved a distinct role for itself in the city’s musical life, playing a subscription series at Carnegie Hall and operating the DiMenna Center for Classical Music, a rehearsal, recording and concert space. The orchestra also is launching a new chamber-music festival.… Orchestra President and Executive [Director] James Roe said the group sought out Mr. Labadie because of his expertise in repertoire from the 17th through early 19th centuries, a key part of the organization’s programming.”
Posted May 4, 2017
