The Symphony Moves Ahead

The Charlottesville and University Symphony Orchestra advertised “An Epic Season” to its patrons this year, and delivered a concert season full of large scale masterpieces such as Beethoven’s “Emperor Concerto” with world renowned pianist Dubravka Tomsic,  Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition”, and Saint-Saens’ powerful “Symphony No.3, Organ Symphony”.  The symphony also performed music by contemporary notables Dominick Argento and Jennifer Higdon. The orchestra enjoyed its first ever collaboration with artists from the Virginia Opera last February with the popular “Evening at the Opera”.

Another first for the symphony was a change of venue. The orchestra has performed pairs of concerts in the Old Cabell Hall Auditorium for many years.  This year the symphony moved its Sunday matinee to the stage of Monticello High School.  The orchestra considers this an important step in achieving its goal of branching out and developing new audiences.

The orchestra has also had some changes of personnel. After six seasons, our Executive Director Bill Martin has moved on to assume the executive directorship of the Annapolis Symphony.  The Symphony is proud to welcome Janet Kaltenbach as our new Executive Director. Janet has extensive experience in orchestra management, and was most recently on the staff of the American Boychoir.

The Symphony relies heavily on the talent and expertise of its principal musicians. This year marks the retirement of our principal clarinetist of 24 years, Nancy Garlick.  Nancy has given our audiences many memorable moments, including a wonderful performance of the Copland “Clarinet Concerto” that inaugurated the Chamber Orchestra of Charlottesville’s first concert in January of 2006.
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We are pleased to welcome Tasha Warren as our new principal clarinet.  Tasha was chosen after a national search and comes to us from Louisiana State University.  She is releasing a CD for unaccompanied clarinet this spring called, “The Naked Clarinet”.  We also welcome Adam Carter as new principal cello.  Adam served as Interim Principal Cello this year, and instituted both the first “Cello Day” at UVa, and formed a “Cello Club” with area cello teachers to serve students of all ages and skills in the Charlottesville area.  Adam also won this position after a nationwide search this spring.

Next season the Symphony presents a year of  “Musical Postcards”, featuring programs that highlight the music and culture of different geographical locations.  Highlights will include music from Italy, France, Central Europe, Britain, and the United States.