RI Philharmonic Announces Robert Spano as Principal Conductor

RI Philharmonic Announces Robert Spano as Principal Conductor

Grammy-award winner and internationally acclaimed conductor, pianist, composer and teacher Robert Spano joins the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School effective immediately as Principal Conductor. One of North America’s most prominent conductors, Spano was unanimously appointed Principal Conductor after making his RIPO debut this past September and working with students at the RI Philharmonic Music School. He is known worldwide for the intensity of his artistry and distinctive communicative abilities, creating a sense of inclusion and warmth among musicians and audiences that is unique among American orchestras. He is also known as an exceptional educator, avid mentor to young artists, and a champion of bringing living composers and their works into the mainstream of American orchestral programming. He is uncommonly gifted in connecting orchestras and the communities they serve.

Spano’s values as an artist and educator are shared by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School, which is the largest fully integrated professional orchestra and community music school in the United States. The Rhode Island Philharmonic plays a vital role in the region as an inclusive, artistic body dedicated to engaging and enriching the lives of all who wish to learn, practice and hear music.
             
The appointment as Principal Conductor is effective immediately. Spano will remain in the post until the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School hires a new, permanent Music Director. That search is ongoing.

“We are thrilled and excited to welcome an artist of Robert Spano’s stature with impressive global renown and achievements in orchestral performance and music education. He is a sincerely dedicated and multifaceted artist—a brilliant conductor, composer and educator,” said Executive Director David Beauchesne. “He has already become a valued partner and leader in our artistic planning and I look forward to him becoming engaged in our educational activities as well.”

“I am thrilled to accept the position of Principal conductor of the Rhode Island Philharmonic,” said Robert Spano. “I very much enjoyed my work with this wonderful orchestra and was particularly impressed by its commitment to the Music School. My work as a conductor had always included a major devotion to teaching and mentoring young musicians, which is crucial to the future of symphonic music.

”Spano added, “Larry Rachleff was a wonderful friend and colleague whom I greatly admired so I look forward to making a contribution to this organization, honoring his and Bramwell Tovey's legacies. I was in Providence for the first time during my last visit and was so impressed with the city and the warmth with which I was received that I very much look forward to spending more time there.”

“Members of the Orchestra, faculty, management, staff and Board are excited to bring Bob Spano on board as Principal Conductor. He is an outstanding artist and educator, and we anticipate that he will help us continue to grow both the quality and impact of the orchestra, as well as our education and community engagement programs,” said Susan Chung, president of the RIPO&MS Board of Directors. “We are all delighted that we’ve attracted such a respected arts leader to join our team.”