A young conductor at the beginning of his career will be the next leader of the Knox-Galesburg Symphony. This week, it announced the hiring of Vlad Vizireanu to be music director.
Executive Director, Lucas Wood, says during the past season four candidates for music director each led one of the symphony's concerts. And he thinks it was obvious from the first rehearsal that Vizireanu was the top choice.
"It was abundantly clear that it was never about him, it was never about Vlad, but it was only about the musicians in the room making the best music they could. So he has a way that he inspires the players to play their best in the most professional, supportive, encouraging, and never demeaning way."
He also was the first choice, based on feedback from the symphony board, donors, the musicians, the audiences, and community residents.
Born in Romania, Vizireanu now lives in Los Angeles, and often works as a guest conductor, including past appearances with symphonies in London and Berlin. His first concert with the Knox-Galesburg Symphony will be October 19th.
He replaces Bruce Polay who served as music director for 35 years, and retired last year.