By Robert D. Thomas
Music Critic
Southern California News Group
Comings
Matthew Hanson, chief executive officer of the Houston Symphony for the past seven years, has been named executive director of the San Francisco Symphony, effective Sept. 1. Hanson, 43, replaces Brent Assink, who left in March after 18 years heading the SFS. Joshua Kosman in the San Francisco Chronicle has the story HERE.
Departing:
Daniel Lewis, former music director of the Pasadena Symphony and former professor of music at the USC Thornton School of Music, has reportedly passed away at the age of 92.
Lewis assumed his Pasadena Symphony position in 1981 and served until 1992 when he was succeeded by Jorge Mester. Under Lewis’ leadership, the orchestra transitioned to a fully professional ensemble and won five ASCAP awards for adventuresome programming.
“Daniel Lewis played an invaluable role in that he created the foundation of artistic excellence and community engagement that are the hallmarks of who the Pasadena Symphony is today,” says the orchestra’s current CEO Laura Unger. “His artistic leadership drew in the best musicians from the studios and made the Pasadena Symphony a joyous artistic outlet for the caliber of musicians that this orchestra has always attracted.”
Lewis arrived at the USC Thornton School of Music in 1970 as director of conducting studies and head of the orchestral music program, He headed the School of Music from 1976 to 1995 and in 1984 became the first faculty member of the School of Music to receive the title of University Professor.
In addition to his Pasadena Symphony duties, Lewis twice served as music director of the Ojai Music Festival, music director of the Cabrillo Music Festival, and musical advisor to the Glendale Symphony. He was also associate conductor of the San Diego Symphony under Robert Shaw.
Staying:
Grant Gershon has extended his contract as Resident Conductor of Los Angeles Opera through the 2019-2020 season. He will continue as Artistic Director of Los Angeles Master Chorale.
Gershon conducted his first LAO production in 2009 and led the world-premiere performances of Daniel Catán’s Il Postino a year later. He has conducted 11 different productions at LA Opera as well as several concerts. He has also prepared the LA Opera Chorus for 51 different works since his debut as Chorus Director with Fidelio in 2007. In the upcoming season, Gershon will conduct performances of The Pearl Fishers on Oct. 25 and 28.
Read the LAO media release HERE.
________________________
(c) Copyright 2017, Robert D. Thomas. All rights reserved. Portions may be quoted with attribution.
