Conductor To Leave El Paso Symphony Orchestra
Sarah Ioannides, the El Paso Symphony Orchestra’s first female Music Director, announced on Monday she will leave the EPSO Association at the end of the 2010-2011 Season.
“I have shared a great musical journey with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra these last five years and look forward to our final season together,” she said in a statement. “The EPSO will always be an important and special part of my career and the tremendous support I have received from the citizens of El Paso has been remarkable and inspirational. I believe this is the right time to make this decision and wish the EPSO every success.”
Ioannides gave birth to twins in April and has a 2-year-old daughter.
In Jan. 2008, Ioannides was set to leave the EPSO at the conclusion of the 2007-’08 season when she and the association could not agree on contract terms for an extension. A few months later, she signed a three-year contract.
Ioannides became the orchestra’s sixth music director in June 2005.
Debbie Hand, Chairman of the EPSO Association, said, “EPSO was very fortunate to find a remarkable musician like Sarah. We are appreciative of the contributions she has made to our orchestra and to El Paso throughout her career with EPSO.” Hand also stated, “For the organization, I can tell you we wish her the best and fully support her in her future endeavors.”
EPSO will immediately begin a search for a new music director.
The EPSO Association’s Board of Trustees will begin planning the 2011-2012 orchestra season immediately, and a search committee will be formed to find, interview, and name a new music director.
The goal of the association in its search is to find someone who will build on the 80-year history of the orchestra.
“The Board of Trustees, the orchestra, and the administrative staff are committed to the successful future of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra,” said Hand. “We have a long tradition of musical excellence, as well as tremendous support in El Paso , and all of us are committed to the artistic vitality and vision of the association. We will be looking for a special person to continue that tradition.”
Ioannides and the orchestra will open EPSO’s 80th Anniversary Season on September 24 and 25. That performance will feature Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and guest pianist Valentina Lisitsa, performing Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2. Ioannides will conduct her final subscription concerts as Music Director of the EPSO on April 15 and 16, 2011.
Link:Sarah Ioannides WebsiteLink:El Paso Symphony Orcestra
