McGlaughlin to Leave Kansas City Symphony in 1998
KANSAS CITY, MO--William McGlaughlin, Music Director and Conductor of The
Kansas City Symphony, announced his plans today to relinquish his position
as chief conductor of the orchestra at the conclusion of the 1997-98 season.
At its annual meeting today, the orchestra's Board of Trustees received
McGlaughlin's announcement with deep regret.
"I've been immersed in the world of orchestras since I was twenty years
old," said McGlaughlin. "Over the past several years I've been
feeling an increasingly strong desire to pursue some of the other paths
I've turned away from in the past ' writing, composing, further adventures
in broadcasting. These pursuits will take a major commitment of time and
energy beyond what I currently have available to me. Accordingly, I've
decided to make the 1997-98 season my final season as Music Director of
The Kansas City Symphony. I have to say that I have loved the time I've
spent with orchestras, especially these last ten years in Kansas City.
I'm very proud of what we accomplished, but it's time for me to follow a
new course."
Board President Shirley Helzberg praised McGlaughlin for his achievements
with The Kansas City Symphony. "We have been blessed to have a Music
Director of Bill McGlaughlin's many talents," said Helzberg, "and
we applaud him for his leadership and dedication. Under his stewardship
The Kansas City Symphony has achieved unparalleled artistic and financial
success. On behalf of the board, I want to express our gratitude and heartfelt
appreciation." Helzberg said that the Board would begin the process
of planning the search for McGlaughlin's successor soon and that further
information would be forthcoming as the selection process moves forward.
During his tenure with The Kansas City Symphony, McGlaughlin has built and
strengthened the orchestra. Artistic quality increased significantly as
he focused on developing the orchestra's collective repertoire with diverse
and challenging programs. McGlaughlin has brought national attention to
The Kansas City Symphony via recordings, television, and radio. These include
the 1995 compact disc release "American Voices," which was the
Symphony's first full-length recording project; the 1988 PBS national television
special, "The King's Singers Holiday Special with The Kansas City Symphony";
and the Symphony's Easter broadcast on public radio's Peabody Award-winning
"Saint Paul Sunday," hosted by McGlaughlin.
Additionally, McGlaughlin has been instrumental in expanding the Symphony's
reach into the Kansas City community and beyond by adding and diversifying
concert series, programming outreach concerts and education programs such
as the Symphony's first in-school residency at Paseo High School, and expanding
the Symphony's touring program into neighboring states.
Before his appointment as music director of The Kansas City Symphony in
1986, McGlaughlin served as Music Director of the Tucson Symphony from 1982-1986,
and Associate Conductor of The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra from 1975 to
1982. He also was Music Director of the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra
from 1986 to 1988.
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