Museum Mondays

 

Siren

Italian, late 16th c.

Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC

April, 2025

Conductor Updates Continued

Well, oops: I started this post back in March and never published it, probably because I didn't have a handy photo. What have I missed in the interim?

• James Gaffigan will leave his position at the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia at the end of the 2024-25 season.
• Mark Elder succeeds Gaffigan.
• Kent Nagano named Chief Conductor and artistic director of the Orquesta y Coro Nacionales de España.
• Markus Poschner succeeds Marin Alsop at the Vienna Radio Orchestra.
• Alex Prior will be the next music director of the Eugene (Oregon) Symphony.
• Sarah Ioannides will leave Symphony Tacoma (Washington) in 2026.

Open positions:

• Boston Baroque, when Martin Pearlman leaves.
• Berkeley Symphony, when Joseph Young leaves.
• Milwaukee Symphony, when Ken-David Masur leaves.
• New Jersey Symphony, when Xian Zhang leaves at the end of the 2027-28 season.
• Ulster Orchestra, when Daniele Rustioni leaves
• Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, when Daniel Harding leaves
• Oslo Philharmonic, when Klaus Makela moves on in 2027
• Orchestre de Paris, when Klaus Makela moves on in 2027
• Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, when Santu-Matias Rouvali leaves in 2025
• Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra because of the departure of Lorenzo Viotti in 2025
• Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, because of the departure of Lorenzo Viotti in 2025
• Dutch National Opera, because of the departure of Lorenzo Viotti in 2025
• English National Opera
• Bergen Philharmonic
• LA. Opera, at the end of 2025-26
• San Francisco Symphony, at the end of 2024-25
• Phoenix Symphony
• Cleveland Orchestra, as of June, 2027
• Lahti Symphony, when Dalia Stasevka leaves.
• Antwerp Symphony, with the departure of Elim Chan.
• Paris Opera is currently without a music director.
• Nashville Symphony, when Giancarlo Guerrero leaves.
• Deutsche Oper Berlin, when Donald Runnicles leaves.
• Rottedam Philharmonic, when Lahav Shani leaves.
• Los Angeles Philharmonic, as of 2026-27, when Gustavo Dudamel leaves for NY.
• Teatro Regio Turin: Open now with departure of Gianandrea Noseda. The Teatro Regio has not named a new music director.
• Marin Symphony, at the end of 2022-23.
• Vienna Staatsoper, when Philippe Jordan leaves at the end of 2025.

Conductors looking for jobs (that is, as of the near future, or now, they do not have a posting). The big mystery, to me, is why an orchestra hasn't snapped up Susanna Mälkki. Slightly lesser mystery: Henrik Nanasi, whose superb Cosi fan tutte is still lingering in my ears.

• Ken-David Masur
• Joseph Young
• Kirill Karabits
• Marc Albrecht
• Markus Stenz
• Esa-Pekka Salonen, if he wants such a position again
• James Conlon, if he wants such a position again.
• Dalia Stasevska (though her contract at Lahti has been extended by a year)
• Elim Chan
• Kirill Karabits
• Tito Muñoz 
• Andrey Boreyko
• Osmo Vänskä
• Susanna Mälkki, who left the Helsinki Philharmonic at the end of 2022-23.
• MGT (apparently does not want a full-time job, as of early 2022)
• Miguel Harth-Bedoya (seems settled in at Baylor)
• Sian Edwards
• Ingo Metzmacher
• Jac van Steen
• Ilan Volkov
• Aleksandr Markovic
• Lothar Koenigs
• Henrik Nanasi
• Philippe Jordan, eventually
• Franz Welser-Möst, if he wants such a job

And closed:

• Utah Symphony, with the appointment of Markus Poschner.
• Bournemouth Symphony appoints Mark Wigglesworth as Chief Conductor (some time ago).
• Colorado Symphony appoints Peter Oundjian, effective with the 2025-26 season.
• Pacific Symphony appoints Alexander Shelley to succeed Carl St. Clair, starting with the 2026-27 season.
• Milwaukee Symphony, when Ken-David Masur leaves at the end of 2025-26.
• Seattle Symphony, with the appointment of Xian Zhang as of the 2025-26 season.
• Edward Gardner starts as music director of Norwegian National Opera this season,
• Sarasota Orchestra: Giancarlo Guerrero has been named music director, as of 2025.
• Hong Kong Philharmonic: Tarmo Peltokoski becomes music director in 2026.
• Tokyo Symphony, with the appointment of Lorenzo Viotti.
• Oakland Symphony, where Kedrick Armstrong succeeds the late Michael Morgan.
• Minnesota Opera: closed with the appointment of Christopher Franklin.
• The Chicago Symphony Orchestra gets to share Klaus Mäkelä with the Concertgebouw.
• The Hallé Orchestra's next conductor will be Kahchun Wong.
• Marin Alsop becomes principal guest conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra, I believe succeeding Nathalie Stutzmann.
• Simon Rattle becomes principal guest conductor of the Czech Philharmonic.
• John Storgards will becomes chief conductor of the Turku Philharmonic.
• Update and correction: San Francisco Chamber Orchestra was unable to hire Cosette Justo Valdés. Instead, Jory Fankuchen, a violinist in the orchestra, has been named Principal Conductor and will lead this season's programs.
• Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra: Cristian Mačelaru becomes music director in 2025.
• Indianapolis Symphony hires Jun Markel, effective September 1, 2024.
• Andris Nelsons renewed his contract with the Boston Symphony. He's now on an evergreen rolling contract, which will continue as long as he and the orchestra are happy with each other. MTT had one of these at SFS.
• Shanghai Symphony, with the appointment of Long Yu.
• Virginia Symphony, with the appointment of Eric Jacobsen.
• Warsaw Philharmonic, with the appointment of Krzysztof Urbański.
• Bern Symphony, with the appointment of Krzysztof Urbański.
• Berlin State Opera, with the appointment of Christian Thielemann.
• Dresden Philharmonic, with the appointment of Donald Runnicles.
• New York Philharmonic, with the appointment of Gustavo Dudamel. Note that Jaap van Zweden leaves in 2024 and there will be a two-season gap before Dudamel arrives.
• Helsinki Philharmonic: Jukka-Pekka Saraste to succeed Susanna Mälkki.
• Staatskapelle Dresden, with the appointment of Daniele Gatti.
• Seoul Philharmonic appoints Jaap van Zweden.
• Royal Opera appoints Jakub Hrůša to succeed Antonio Pappano.

Friday Photo

Artemis

Washington, DC

April, 2025

 

New Philadelphia Orchestra CEO

Ryan Fleur has been appointed president and CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra, following the departure of Matias Tarnopolsky, who is now CEO of the NY Philharmonic. The press release says that the appointment comes after ¨an extensive international search,¨ and I gotta say, it was the fastest extensive international search in history. Tarnopolsky´s appointment was announced in December and Fleur was appointed interim president. Five months is....really fast.

Here´s the press release:

(Philadelphia, April 23, 2025)––The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts announces the appointment of  Ryan Fleur as president and CEO, effective immediately. Fleur, a visionary leader with over three decades of experience in the performing arts, steps into this role after serving as interim president and CEO since January 2025. Fleur has dedicated the last 13 years to serving the Philadelphia community and beyond in executive-level positions with both the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra and the recently merged institution, The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts, one of the largest performing arts complexes in the country. His appointment marks a pivotal moment as the Orchestra prepares to celebrate its 125th anniversary during the 2025–26 season and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts approaches its 25th anniversary in 2026.

 

“After an extensive international search, we are thrilled to appoint Ryan Fleur as president and CEO,” said Ralph Muller, chair of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts Board of Trustees. “Ryan’s deep understanding of our mission, his innovative vision, and his unwavering commitment to artistic excellence across our varied genres make him uniquely qualified to lead us into an exciting future. My thanks to the Board of Trustees and the search committee for their pursuit of the best possible candidate.”

 

Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin praised Fleur's leadership: “Ever since our mutual arrival at The Philadelphia Orchestra many years ago, Ryan has been a steadfast partner in fostering an environment where music thrives. His dedication to the musicians, his forward-thinking approach, and his ability to unite diverse communities around the transformative power of music ensure that our future is brighter than ever.”

 

“The Philadelphia Orchestra has been at the heart of my professional life since 2012, and it has been a privilege to help shape its evolution over the past 13 years,” said Fleur. “This is a defining moment of opportunity to build on our momentum and fully embrace our belief that the arts are essential to community. I am thrilled to lead an organization that is committed to creating cultural spaces where everyone feels welcome and inspired. Together with Yannick, the Board, musicians of the Orchestra, staff, and community partners, we will continue to innovate, elevate, and connect through the power of music and the performing arts. I am deeply grateful to the Board of Trustees and the search committee for their confidence and vision.”

 

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker commended Fleur’s dedication to the city: “Ryan embodies the spirit of Philadelphia. He is deeply committed to bringing our great city together around the arts, acting as a convener for civic dialogue, collaboration, and community values. Under his leadership, The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts will continue to shine as a beacon of creativity and unity for every Philadelphian in all our neighborhoods.”

 

Fleur has been an integral part of Philadelphia's cultural fabric for over 13 years, previously serving as executive director of The Philadelphia Orchestra and playing a key role in its historic merger with the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (now Ensemble Arts Philly). Fleur previously served as president and CEO of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and held executive positions at Boston Ballet, the New York Philharmonic, and the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston.

 

Throughout his tenure with The Philadelphia Orchestra, Fleur has demonstrated a deep commitment to artistic excellence and innovation, global initiatives, education and community partnerships, and digital media projects. He created partnerships that restarted the ensemble’s international recording projects and weekly radio broadcasts. In 2022 the Orchestra received its first GRAMMY^® Award for Best Orchestral Performance for its Deutsche Grammophon recording of Florence Price’s Symphonies Nos. 1 and 3. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he worked to innovatively bring music to people around the world when they needed it most through the creation of the Orchestra’s Digital Stage. His commitment to international partnerships has strengthened ties in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia—particularly China—through a robust program of tours and residencies that showcase and advance the Orchestra’s role as a global cultural ambassador. In 2023 Fleur led Orchestra musicians on a special visit to China, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Orchestra’s historic 1973 tour to China, the first by an American orchestra. The visit was recognized by Presidents Joseph R. Biden and Xi Jinping, who noted the Orchestra’s ongoing commitment to cultural diplomacy. In 2024 Fleur played an integral role in the dedication of Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the first major concert venue in the world named in honor of the trailblazing Black singer, civil rights icon, and Philadelphian.

 

As leader of the Memphis Symphony from 2003–2012, Fleur helped the organization become a key artistic and civic asset, leading a comprehensive strategic planning process focused on artistic excellence, education, and community engagement. The transformation was featured in a League of American Orchestra’s case study titled “Fearless Journeys: Innovation in Five American Orchestras.” In 1998 Fleur was appointed executive director of the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston, one of four professional cooperative orchestras in the United States. He led the Orchestra through an international conductor search, an extensive planning process, and a revitalization of the governing board, while establishing programs in education and community engagement. Fleur also served as program director and pianist for Boston Ballet before being selected to participate in the Orchestra Management Fellowship Program of the League of American Orchestras. As a fellow for the 1996–97 season, he worked with the CEOS of the San Francisco Symphony, the New Jersey Symphony, and the Indianapolis Symphony. He then served in the executive office of the New York Philharmonic.  

 

An accomplished pianist, Fleur received his bachelor’s degrees in economics and business from Boston University. He serves on the board of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau and is deeply committed to the vital role of the arts in strengthening communities. He and his wife, Laura Banchero, a professional ballet instructor and former dancer, live in Bala Cynwyd and have two grown children.

 

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts president and CEO search was facilitated by Isaacson, Miller.  

Bohème Out of the Box

San Francisco Opera´s traveling, condensed version of Puccini´s <i>La Bohème</i> will be on the move again starting next Saturday. The company still hasn´t managed to perform in Oakland. I would not be at all surprised if the dysfunctional city government is the reason.

If youŕe not able to get to one of these, remember, SFO is performing the full opera June 3-21 with two excellent casts.

BOHÈME OUT OF THE BOX

APRIL–JUNE 2025

 

BOHÈME OUT OF THE BOX runs approximately 60 minutes with no intermission and features piano accompaniment. Performed by San Francisco Opera Adler Fellows and guest artists in Italian. Live English supertitles will be available via personal mobile devices.

 

FIRST ACT WORKSHOPS:  Families with young children are invited to participate in free First Act Workshops 30 minutes before showtime at all Bohème Out of the Box performances.

 

REGISTRATION:  Bohème Out of the Box is a free event. Registration at sfopera.com/box is now available and encouraged but not required, except for Hidden Villa/Los Alto Hills (where advance registration is required if driving your own car to the Los Altos Hills venue).

 

ADMISSION/SEATING is on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

FOOD AND BEVERAGES will be available for purchase at many of the locations or nearby, and audiences are welcome to bring their own food and beverages to enjoy during the shows.

 

In the event of inclement weather, these outdoor performances may be cancelled or delayed. Register at sfopera.com/box to receive updates or follow @sfopera on Instagram and Facebook. Casting and schedule subject to change. For more information, visit sfopera.com/box.

 

SAUSALITO

Saturday, April 26 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m.

 

Parking Lot #2, next to the Sausalito Center for the Arts
50 Humboldt Avenue
Sausalito, CA 94965

 

Steps from the picturesque waterfront, Bohème Out of the Box comes to Bridgeway in iconic downtown Sausalito. Presented in partnership with the Sausalito Parks & Recreation Department and the Sausalito Center for the Arts, performances will be held in the parking lot next to the Sausalito Center for the Arts, where guests can visit the gallery space showcasing the work of over 250 artists from the Marin Open Studios. The venue is a short walk from the Sausalito Ferry Terminal, with service to/from San Francisco offered by Blue & Gold Fleet and Golden Gate Ferry. Paid public parking lots border the venue, and a dedicated ride share/taxi drop off area is located on Anchor Street. Guests can pack a picnic or purchase food from nearby restaurants.

 

Chairs will be provided at the parking lot performance location (available on a first-come, first-served basis), and audiences are encouraged to bring their own seating.

 

SAN RAMON

Thursday, May 1 at 12:30 p.m.

Alexander Square at City Center, Bishop Ranch
6000 Bollinger Canyon Road
San Ramon, CA 94583

Experience the magic of Bohème Out of the Box at City Center Bishop Ranch, presented in partnership with the City of San Ramon. Set in the square of this modern shopping and dining destination, the lunchtime performance offers the perfect setting for families and professionals, surrounded by stylish shops, diverse dining and open-air seating. Ample parking is available, and audiences can purchase food and beverages from one of the numerous eateries onsite.

Bring a picnic blanket to enjoy the performance on the shaded artificial lawn area or use the provided folding chairs (camp chairs and other outside seating are not allowed).

 

LOS ALTOS HILLS

 

Saturday, May 3 at 2 p.m. (arrive by 1:30 p.m. if driving own car)
Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m. (arrive by 1:30 p.m. if driving own car)

 

Due to parking logistics, registration, parking fee and early arrival are required (for this venue only) if driving own car. For more information and to register, visit sfopera.com/box.

 

Hidden Villa
26870 Moody Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022

 

Hidden Villa is a scenic working farm and wilderness preserve dedicated to environmental education, social justice and sustainability. Set against a backdrop of rolling hills, organic gardens and peaceful trails, the venue offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the performance in a beautiful, rustic setting. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to explore the property, attend the family workshop and enjoy a picnic.

 

Hidden Villa is most easily accessible by car and event parking is only available on the property itself. As parking capacity is limited, guests are required to register and pay a $10 parking fee in advance of arrival, unless arriving by bike, hike or rideshare. A limited number of nearby parking spots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for those needing accommodations due to mobility issues. Please note cell phone service is limited or unavailable in various parts of the property.

 

The performance will take place on the field next to the Dana Center. Guests should bring their own picnic blankets or camp chairs; a few picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

HAYWARD

Saturday, June 28 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, June 29 at 2 p.m.

Heritage Plaza 
835 C Street
Hayward, CA 94541

Presented in partnership with the Hayward Public Library, Bohème Out of the Box travels to Heritage Plaza, a vibrant community gathering space surrounded by greenery and downtown amenities in the heart of downtown Hayward. This outdoor performance offers an accessible and engaging cultural experience for all ages that can be combined with a visit to the Saturday Farmers Market, exploring the Hayward Public Library or enjoying a day out with family.

 

The venue is a short walk from the Hayward BART station and AC Transit routes stopping at Mission Blvd and C Street (10, 28, 60, 93, 95, 99 and 801).

Seating will be on a grassy lawn and guests should bring picnic blankets or their own seating.

Museum Monday

Sentinel

Simone Leigh, 2022

National Gallery of Art

Washington, DC

April, 2025

 

Friday Photo

Crucifix, with mourning Virgin Mary, John the Evangelist,

two angels and a kneeling donor

Master of Montelabate

Italian, c. 1285

Philadelphia Museum of Art

April, 2025

 

Museum Mondays

Reliquary bust of a Benedictine nun, c. 1500

Possibly St. Scholastica

Philadelphia Museum of Art

April, 2025

 

Death of Classical

Photo courtesy of Death of Classical

Death of Classical, the marvelous New York City organization presenting concerts in churches, cemeteries, and crypts, has announced its 2025 season. Many marvels await you if you're in the area. I wish I could see...all of these, because I love cemeteries, crypts, and churches.

May 7-9 2025
THE CRYPT SESSIONS @ CHURCH OF THE INTERCESSION
 

Schubert Final Sonatas + New Commissions

Jonathan Biss

• May 7: Schubert Piano Sonata in C minor, D.958 + Tyson Gholston Davis ...Expansions of Light (NY Premiere)
• May 8: Schubert Piano Sonata in A Major, D. 959 + Alvin Singleton Bed-Stuy Sonata (NY Premiere)
• May 9: Schubert Piano Sonata in B flat Major, D. 960 + Tyshawn Sorey For Anthony Braxton (NY Premiere)

May 23 2025 (Rain Date: May 24)
THE ANGEL'S SHARE @ GREEN-WOOD CEMETERY
 

Cocktails, Comestibles & Callas

Artists from The Metropolitan Opera's Lindemann Program and Laffont Competition  

May 29 2025
THE CRYPT SESSIONS @ CHURCH OF THE INTERCESSION
 

ad tendo

Simone Porter

May 29 2025
THE CRYPT SESSIONS @ CHURCH OF THE INTERCESSION
 

ad tendo

Simone Porter

July 23 2025
L'ALLIANCE (22 E 60th St)
 

Versailles in New York

The Versailles Royal Opera Orchestra 

September 4-6 2025
THE ANGEL'S SHARE @ GREEN-WOOD CEMETERY
 

Beethoven: String Quartet Op. 131

Ariel Quartet

October 1-3 2025
THE ANGEL'S SHARE @ GREEN-WOOD CEMETERY
 

Paola Prestini: Houses of Zodiac

Jeffrey Zeigler, Dai Matsuoka, Georgina Pazcoguin, Maria Popova

October 16 & 17 2025
THE ANGEL'S SHARE @ GREEN-WOOD CEMETERY
 

Nightfall

October 28 & 29 2025
THE CRYPT SESSIONS @ CHURCH OF THE INTERCESSION
 

Schubert Cello Quintet

The Parker Quartet with Jay Campbell

November 19-21 2025

The Crypt Under the Cathedral of St. John the Divine

December 2-4, 2025
THE CRYPT SESSIONS @ CHURCH OF THE INTERCESSION
 

The Little Match Girl Passion

Ekmeles