August 14, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Portland, Ore. … Tony Woodcock, President of the Oregon Symphony since 1998, has been appointed the next President of the Minnesota Orchestra, it was announced today. Woodcock will begin his new post on Monday, Oct. 6. The Minnesota Orchestra is widely acknowledged as one of the nation’s top 10 orchestras.
“We are tremendously sorry to lose Tony but recognize what a wonderful career opportunity this presents for him,” said Symphony Board Chair Susan D. Keil. “And this appointment is, of course, a credit to the great work he has achieved while here in Oregon.”
Since Woodcock’s arrival in Oregon in December of 1998, the Symphony has undergone a process of considerable development, with improvements to the annual fundraising drive; a new strategic plan; and the appointment of Vienna’s Carlos Kalmar as Music Director Designate to succeed 23-year Music Director James DePreist in 2003-2004. Woodcock has also successfully negotiated two contracts with the musicians, the first in 2000 which helped to grow internal relationships and the second in 2003 against a background of a very difficult economy both locally and nationally.
“Whilst I am excited about this new opportunity,” said Woodcock, “I will be very sad to leave all of my friends and colleagues here in Oregon. We have accomplished much together over the past five years, and I am very proud of the collaborative spirit we have achieved and of the artistic promise for the orchestra's future under the leadership of new Music Director Carlos Kalmar. I know that the strength of the team we have built will move the organisation forward and that great things will be happening here in Oregon long after I have moved on.”
Board Vice Chair Karl Smith is leading a search for Woodcock’s successor.
NOTE: View the Minnesota Orchestra news release
