“Cellist and conductor Eric Jacobsen, founding artistic director of The Knights [chamber ensemble], is to be the next music director of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra,” writes Nicholas Beard in Tuesday’s (6/1) Musical America (subscription required). “He succeeds JoAnn Falletta, the orchestra’s Music Director Laureate who stepped down in 2020 after 29 years in the job. Jacobsen, 38, is also music director of the Orlando (FL) Philharmonic and the Greater Bridgeport (CT) Symphony. He is a member of the Silk Road Ensemble, as well. In his comments, he emphasized the idea of exploring new ideas and experiences with his new orchestra. He starts July 1, becoming the VSO’s 12th music director in the last 100 years. Some 100 conductors applied to succeed Falletta. Michael R. McClellan, who chaired a search committee comprised of community leaders, musicians, board members, and his wife, said he and his colleagues were impressed by Jacobsen’s ‘charisma, inclusivity, and thoughtfulness.’ ”
