STORY AND LINKS: Cleaning out the inbox

By Robert D. Thomas

Music Critic

Pasadena Star-News/San Gabriel Valley Tribune/Whittier Daily
News

 

In another sign of its rebound from near economic
catastrophe several years ago, the Pasadena Symphony Association (which runs
the Pasadena Symphony and Pops) has ratified a new four-year contract with its
musicians, which are represented by Local 47 of the Professional Musicians
Union. The new contract is retroactive to last October and includes a five
percent wage increase over the life of the contract. MORE

 

The New York Philharmonic has named Matthew VanBesien as
its new executive director, replacing Zarin Mehta, who is retiring after a
12-year-tenure with the nation’s oldest orchestra. VanBesien, age 42 and a
native of St. Louis, once played French horn in the Louisiana Philharmonic but
laid it aside to focus on orchestra management. He has held executive positions
with the Houston Symphony and the Melbourne (Australia) Symphony Orchestra.
According to a New York Times
article, the NYPO declined to state the terms or length of VanBiesen’s contract
(both of which will eventually come to light via income tax returns). MORE

 

Pablo Heras-Casado has been named principal conductor of
the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, one of New York City’s premiere ensembles. The
34-year-old Spaniard becomes the fourth titled conductor in the history of the orchestra,
which will celebrate its 40th anniversary during the 2014-15 season. His first
concert in his new position will come in July during the Caramoor International
Music Festival.

 

Heras-Casado, who hair is even curlier than Gustavo
Dudamel’s, has made a positive impression conducting the Los Angeles
Philharmonic in Walt Disney Concert Hall and Hollywood Bowl. He’s scheduled to
lead the Phil March 2-4 at Disney Hall (LINK).

 

The Orchestra of St. Luke’s Web site information on
Heras-Casado is HERE.

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(c) Copyright 2012, Robert D. Thomas. All rights reserved.
Portions may be quoted with attribution.

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