What is a Music Director?
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra has selected the final four candidates to be the next music director. But what is the music director’s role in an orchestra and how does it affect the MSO’s future?
Most audience members will recognize the music director as being the conductor of the orchestra. The one on the podium, masterfully wielding the baton creating waves of sound from more than 70 musicians in perfect time. However, a music director’s role spans far past the podium. The music director is the artistic leader of the orchestra, who works closely with the administrative staff to produce concerts and act as the face of the organization. Music directors are a unique blend of charismatic and passionate artists, with strong leadership and communication skills.
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The MSO’s search began in 2018 and has since narrowed down to our impressive final four candidates:
delta David Gier
Delta David Gier, currently the music director of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, where he is recognized for his commitment to new music, and dedication to community engagement. He aims to bring this philosophy to the MSO
Keitaro Harada
Keitaro Harada, currently the music director of the Savannah Philharmonic, has a growing international presence and an interest in exploring a broad scope of works including symphonic, opera, chamber, pops, educational, as well as pursuing projects that lead to diverse programs.
Dirk Meyer
Dirk Meyer, currently the music director of the Augusta Symphony, Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra, and the Lyric Opera of the North, is a champion for orchestral music being performed in innovative ways, including multimedia formats as well as collaborations of all kinds.
Paul Haas
Paul Haas, currently the music director of the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas and the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, sees the beauty in classical music and with his strong artistic vision, invites audiences see the orchestra in a brand-new way.
One of these four will be the next music director of the Modesto Symphony and will help mold and shape the symphony for the future. They will not only reflect our musicians, but be a representative of our MSO family. As an audience member of their coming concerts, you will be able to provide your feedback on each candidate. Your feedback will help us find a dynamic and captivating conductor who will bring the music to life and lead the MSO into a new era.
