Dear Colleagues and Friends,
At the end of June I retire after thirty-eight years as founding music director of The Chicago Bar Association Symphony Orchestra (although I will continue in a purely administrative role going forward.)
It has been a wonderful ride, growing the orchestra to perform at Chicago’s Orchestra Hall no fewer than three times, and featuring repertoire including major works by virtually all the greats, including Mahler and Britten, and music by no fewer than six winners of The American Prize.
In preparation for my retirement, I was asked if leading the same ensemble as music director for that long a time is unique—and I said no, but it is unusual—but I really don’t know. Can anyone point to others who held the same conducting post for thirty-five years or more, not necessarily currently? I would be fun to know: those of us still around can meet once a year for Old Times Concerts, to throw out the first downbeat!
Thanks in advance.
David
David Volosin Katz, founding music director
The Chicago Bar Association Symphony Orchestra
https://www.chicagobar.org/CBA/Committees_Groups/Music_Entertainment/Symphony_Orchestra/CBA/Programs/Orchestra.aspx?hkey=ec6a7e7d-0371-4fb9-a370-3ce243b0b9da
Nancy Menk says
Congratulations, David! I am finishing my 35th year as Music Director and Conductor of the South Bend Chamber Singers…hard to believe. And next year will be my 40th year at Saint Mary’s College. Time flies when you’re having fun!