DePREIST FOLLOWS DOCTOR'S ADVICE TO REGAIN 'FULL-STRENGTH;'
MUSIC DIRECTOR CANDIDATE PAVEL KOGAN TO CONDUCT JAN. 5-7
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Portland, Ore. … Though his recovery from a Dec. 3 kidney transplant continues smoothly, Oregon Symphony Music Director James DePreist has announced he will not conduct Jan. 5-7 Classical Concerts as scheduled, following advice from his doctor to regain "full strength" before returning to the podium. Music Director Candidate Pavel Kogan, who made his Symphony debut in February, has agreed to conduct the concerts, which feature violinist Robert McDuffie as soloist.

The revised program will include Berlioz' Hungarian March from "The Damnation of Faust," Gounod's Ballet music from "Faust," Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 3 and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 2 ("Little Russian"). The Shostakovich Symphony No. 11, originally on this program, will be rescheduled with DePreist in the 2003-2003 season.

In his own words, DePreist's recovery is progressing "very nicely" and his kidney functions are now normal. DePreist was released from the hospital Dec. 8.

Performances are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 5 and 6, at 7:30 p.m. and Monday, Jan. 7, at 8 p.m. Tickets range in price from $15 to $70 and may be purchased at the Oregon Symphony Ticket Office (923 S.W. Washington), Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or charged by phone at 503-228-1353 or (800) 228-7343. Tickets also may be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets (790-ARTS) or through Ticketmaster Online, via the Symphony's Web site at www.orsymphony.org. Service fees may apply. The Bravo series of concerts is sponsored by ODS Health Plans. Media support is provided by The Oregonian.