Big news in the orchestra world. Starting next season (2010-’11), George Manahan will become the American Composers Orchestra’s Music Director. He will continue as Music Director at the New York City Opera.
In my view, this is good news indeed. Manahan is a superlative musician; he’s conducted some excellent performances of contemporary fare at NYCO. One hopes that his name will entice new audience members to check out the ACO.
Kudos as well to outgoing director Steven Sloane, who’s done an admirable job with the ensemble since 2002.
Thoughts on the shakeup? The comments section is open below!
Christian, I’m basically very excited; although I hope that these orchestral duties will not cut into what should be the prime focus of Mr Manahan’s future activity of conducting American opera revivals and American opera world premieres across the country (and around the world). Also, I forget the structure of ACO. Will Manahan have an associate at ACO helping him review scores?
I applaud Mr Manahan’s breath of operatic activity which ranges from Barber’s ‘Antony and Cleopatra’ and Picker’s ‘Emmeline’ to Weisgall’s ‘Esther’ and Wuorinen’s ‘Haroun and the Sea of Stories’.
I wish James Levine and Mr Manahan, both, long productive future careers.