Oh yes, and they also happened to pick a WOMAN to lead the MSO!
The Memphis Symphony Orchestra, seeking a rising star as its new conductor, this morning named Mei-Ann Chen to be its fourth music director.
Her three-year contract with the MSO starts with the 2010-2011 season.
Members of the search committee said last year they were looking for an “up-and-comer” to be the musical leader of the symphony. Chen’s impressive resume, which includes jobs in Portland, Ore., Atlanta and Baltimore, has led to her being labeled a rising star in the conducting world.
The dozen members of the search committee included MSO musicians, board members and community leaders. Chen’s appointment to replace retiring maestro David Loebel was unanimously approved by the Memphis Orchestral Society Board of Directors.
via Mei-Ann Chen named new Memphis Symphony conductor » The Commercial Appeal.