US orchestra names Canadian music director
mainThe Kalamazoo Symphony conducted a through search when its Raymond Harvey retired after 18 years.
Out of a strong field of five, it has picked Julian Kuerti, represented by IMG Artists.
Kuerti, 41, is the son of one of Canada’s iconic musicians, the Austrian-born pianist Anton Kuerti.
Press release:
KALAMAZOO – June 27, 2018 – The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors and President & CEO, Peter H. Gistelinck, are pleased to announce that internationally renowned conductor Julian Kuerti has been appointed as its new Music Director. Mr. Kuerti will assume the title of Music Director beginning with the 2018-2019 season, succeeding Raymond Harvey, who ended his eighteen-year tenure with the orchestra in 2017, and has since then become the Orchestra’s first Music Director Emeritus.
Quickly establishing himself as a significant interpreter of orchestral and operatic music, Canadian conductor Julian Kuerti combines a confident style, artistic integrity and a passion for collaboration to position himself at the forefront of the international music scene. Having been Principal Guest Conductor of the Orchestre Métropolitain de Montreal and Principal Conductor of the Orquesta Sinfónica Universidad de Concepción in Chile, he has made a reputation for himself both in the Americas and abroad.
Kuerti was chosen following a year-long search by a 12-member committee chaired by Steven Kreider, KSO Board of Directors Chair, and comprised of musicians, board, and staff.
Raymond Harvey is a highly gifted conductor, especially when it comes to opera. Why he was never hired to lead a major orchestra here or abroad is a mystery.