Just in: Washington names new national orchestra chief
NewsThe National symphoy Orchestra, which is losing its boss Gary Ginstling to the New York Phil, name his successor today.
She is Jean Davidson, presently president and CEO of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the largest professional chorus in America. Davidson, 54, previously worked for Yo Yo Ma’s Silk Road project.
Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter said: ‘Jean’s leadership is unmatched in many ways. As an executive she has thrived finding order in complexity and finding opportunities in obstacles. As a visionary, she has commissioned new works that live alongside the canonical and, ever more importantly, she invites audiences to believe in the power of that combination. The Kennedy Center is the home of the NSO and I look forward to working with Jean to elevate and support the innovative work the NSO will continue to do.’
Music Director Gianandrea Noseda said: ‘I met Jean and instantly knew that this was going to be the start of a powerful collaboration for me, the artists of the National Symphony Orchestra, and the Kennedy Center. Jean thoroughly understands the state of today’s cultural landscape and has experience bringing multifaceted artistic projects from concept to the stage. She will bring her wide-reaching background and belief in the power of music to the position. We are all looking forward to working with her and welcoming her to Washington, D.C.’
Unrelated, but can someone tell me what happened to the Associate Principal Percussion Pablo F of Philadelphia Orchestra? I heard he was asked to resign due to past sexual assault claims but doesn’t say. They took his name down from the website but his link is still there.
https://www.philorch.org/about-us/meet-your-orchestra/musicians/pedro-fernandez/
Deborah Rutter herself spent her early career in LA, first with the Philharmonic then with the LA Chamber Orchestra. I hope the Master Chorale can find a good successor.
Who cares? D.C. rates pretty low on the scale of even American music, somewhere below Phoenix.
I’ll bet a lot of great musicians and supportive concert goers in Washington care. And what is “even American music”? As opposed to odd American music?
What an ingracious comment. Of course many people care. those who worked with Jean at the LA Master Chorale, the good people of the National Symphony, the Kennedy Center…… Rude.
I’m sure Phoenix is a fine orchestra, but the NSO is a terrific orchestra, and is sounding better than ever under Noseda. They do suffer a bit from DC being a rather indifferent audience and the Kennedy Center lacking in ambience. But between the NSO and Baltimore playing at Strathmore, the DC area is an outstanding place for hearing orchestral music these days. Add in free concerts by the peerless U.S. Marine Band.
As long as she manages to keep Noseda in Washington, she’ll have my support.