BRITT ANNOUNCES CANDIDATES FOR MUSIC DIRECTOR
Finalists will conduct the Britt Orchestra in the 2013 season
MEDFORD, OR — Britt is pleased to announce three finalists for the position of Music Director and Conductor of the Classical Festival.
Each candidate will spend a week in residence with Britt next August, and conduct two concerts with the Britt Orchestra.
The finalists are, in no particular order, Mei-Ann Chen, Teddy Abrams and David Danzmayr.
Mei-Ann Chen
“We’re very excited about these three candidates,” says Britt Executive Director Donna Briggs. “Each of them brings a fresh, energetic approach to music and artistic leadership, and we can’t wait to welcome them next August.”
The finalists were selected after a national search that included more than 130 applicants. They were chosen by a search committee that consists of Britt Orchestra members, Britt board and staff members, and community representatives.
The Rocky Mountain News described Mei-Ann (pronounced MAY-en) Chen as a star in the making, and reviewed her performance with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, saying, “Her podium manner is thrilling to watch, passionate and committed, yet on the money with cues and pacing. Watch for her.” Chen is the Music Director of the Memphis Symphony and the Chicago Sinfonietta. She returns to Oregon after a five-year tenure in Portland in her early career, where she served as Music Director of the Portland Youth Philharmonic and Assistant Conductor of the Oregon Symphony.
Teddy Abrams
Teddy Abrams is receiving wide acclaim on a fast-rising career. He is the Resident Conductor of the MAV Symphony Orchestra in Budapest, and Assistant Conductor of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. From 2008 to 2011, he was the Conducting Fellow and Assistant Conductor of the New World Symphony, and a review of his time there said, “Abrams drew refined, transparent playing from the New World
David Danzmayr
Austrian David (pronounced DAH-vid) Danzmayr has received acclaim for his energetic, expressive conducting. The Herald (Glasgow) reviewed a performance saying, “He did a tremendous job. His culminating performance of Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony was electric.” Danzmayr is the Music Director of the Illinois Philharmonic in Chicago, and the Music Director Designate of the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra in Columbus, Ohio, where he will take the helm next year. He also served for three years as assistant conductor of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
The 2013 Classical Festival concerts will run August 2-18. All three candidates are currently working with Britt on programs and guest artists, and the full schedule will be announced February 21, 2013.
Britt Festivals invites audiences and artists to celebrate the joy of live performance, the power of community and the magic of the Britt Experience. Through ongoing education and audience development programs, Britt connects audiences to the inspirational power of classical music, and helps new generations of listeners discover the wonder of music and performance. In addition to presenting concerts, Britt Festivals maintains an education program through the Britt Institute. Established in 1985, the Britt Institute hosts a variety of programs including summer camps, workshops, elementary school activities, lectures and “meet the artist” opportunities.