September 23, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Portland, Ore. … Music Director Carlos Kalmar will remain at the artistic helm of the Oregon Symphony at least through the 2008-2009 season, Symphony President William Ryberg announced today. Kalmar, who has been credited with unleashing the artistic potential of the orchestra to significant critical and community acclaim, is entering his third season as Music Director and was originally contracted through the 2006-2007 season. His two-year extension was announced at the Symphony’s 2005 Annual Meeting at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts.
“My decision to stay was an easy one for me,” said Kalmar. “Four years as Music Director is very short and one cannot accomplish all the goals. You can move in the right direction, but you can't get the job done. I also wanted to stay because the orchestra and I have established a very strong connection which allows us to produce an artistic result that will benefit not only the city of Portland but the entire state of Oregon. The audience has responded, the excitement is there and the future can bring great results.”
“This is just terrific news for us,” said Ryberg. “I can’t emphasize enough how much Carlos has already done for this organization. He has thrilled us all with amazing performances and has inspired the orchestra to new levels of music making. This gives us incredible momentum moving forward to achieve great things for the Symphony.”
Concertmaster Amy Schwartz Moretti learned of Kalmar’s extension just prior to the Annual Meeting. “This is awesome news!” said Moretti. “It’s what we’ve been waiting for! Now Carlos can really move forward with his vision and, together, we will reach great heights!”
“I hope everyone in the Oregon community understands how lucky we are to keep someone of Carlos’ talent and acclaim here in Portland,” said Symphony Board Chair Maria Pope. “His commitment to an artistic vision for the Oregon Symphony is evidenced by his readiness to stay the course here in the midst of many other offers.” “We are also grateful Carlos understands that our artistic health is directly tied to our financial health,” added Pope. “A successful music director not only oversees the music, but is actively involved in cultivating support. Carlos’ regular participation in pre- and post-concert events, and his very real desire to connect with every Symphony patron, is tremendously valuable in our effort to expand our donor base. His renewed commitment is incredibly timely, as the next year is a critical one in determining the level of support this community is willing to provide for our future.”
Artistic goals aside, Kalmar made it clear that he is also staying because the community made him feel welcome so quickly. “Everybody in Vienna chuckles when I refer to Portland as my ‘American home,’” he said, “but it shows my commitment here. And I want to expand that. My strongest wish is that the support for our orchestra continues to grow through ticket sales and contributions and that together we truly touch everybody’s soul with our music.”
