Canadian conductor quits
NewsVancouver Island Symphony Orchestra is looking for a new artistic director and conductor after Pierre Simard told them he s leaving at the end of the season. He has been in the post for 14 years.
‘After careful thought and consideration, time has come to ‘pass the baton,’ Simard said. ‘I would like to express my gratitude to everyone at the VIS, for 14 wonderful years of music-making. Musicians, staff and boards of directors have shown an unwavering dedication to the growth and thriving of our professional symphony orchestra. Their resilience is extraordinary and will be a formidable asset for the orchestra’s upcoming seasons, under new artistic leadership.’
“The board wants a woman”. And they will have one as conductor. You will see.
Many people don’t want to hear it, but it is a reality these days, not only in performing arts organizations, but also in higher education institution: it is almost never said “officially, but these days boards, directors councils etc. look not only for qualifications, but also for a particular sex or for non-whites. Race and sex has never been so important in the last 35 years.
Yes, amazed by how we re going backwards, race and sex should be indifferent by now, they’re less than ever…
Who are you quoting?
They may well have a woman — there is not exactly a glut of them leading Canadian orchestras.
I don’t know anything about the orchestra, but it is a nice place to live.
It is just a typo.
That’s a LOT of thumbs down… what’s up with that?
Unattributed quotation.
I feel that the headline implied much more drama…
Welcome to Slipped Disc.
It seems to be a young organization, only 27 years old, and with a minimal number of concerts, in relatively small halls. Simard has been there a long time.
Maestro Simard is a fine conductor and the VISO is an excellent ensemble. I wish him and the organization well.
Did he refuse a mandated shot?