STORY AND LINKS: Cleaning out the inbox

By Robert D. Thomas
Music Critic
Pasadena Star-News/San Gabriel Valley Tribune/Whittier Daily News

• In another sign of its rebound from near economic catastrophe several years ago, the Pasadena Symphony Association (which runs the Pasadena Symphony and Pops) has ratified a new four-year contract with its musicians, which are represented by Local 47 of the Professional Musicians Union. The new contract is retroactive to last October and includes a five percent wage increase over the life of the contract. MORE

• The New York Philharmonic has named Matthew VanBesien as its new executive director, replacing Zarin Mehta, who is retiring after a 12-year-tenure with the nation’s oldest orchestra. VanBesien, age 42 and a native of St. Louis, once played French horn in the Louisiana Philharmonic but laid it aside to focus on orchestra management. He has held executive positions with the Houston Symphony and the Melbourne (Australia) Symphony Orchestra. According to a New York Times article, the NYPO declined to state the terms or length of VanBiesen’s contract (both of which will eventually come to light via income tax returns). MORE

• Pablo Heras-Casado has been named principal conductor of the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, one of New York City’s premiere ensembles. The 34-year-old Spaniard becomes the fourth titled conductor in the history of the orchestra, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary during the 2014-15 season. His first concert in his new position will come in July during the Caramoor International Music Festival.

Heras-Casado, who hair is even curlier than Gustavo Dudamel’s, has made a positive impression conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic in Walt Disney Concert Hall and Hollywood Bowl. He’s scheduled to lead the Phil March 2-4 at Disney Hall (LINK).

The Orchestra of St. Luke’s Web site information on Heras-Casado is HERE.
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(c) Copyright 2012, Robert D. Thomas. All rights reserved. Portions may be quoted with attribution.