Robert Spano appointed principal conductor of Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School | EarRelevant

EarRelevant Staff | 11 JAN 2024

Providence, RI— Grammy-award winner and internationally acclaimed conductor, pianist, composer, and teacher Robert Spano has been named principal conductor of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School effective immediately, the orchestra has announced. The appointment follows Spano’s unanimous selection after his debut with the orchestra in September and collaboration with students at the RI Philharmonic Music School.

Renowned for his artistry and communicative abilities, Spano will serve in this capacity until a new, permanent music director is hired, with the ongoing search process. In his role, he will conduct three concerts during the next season (in January 2025, May 2025, and the June 2025 Gala), contribute to artistic planning, engage with students at the Music School, and interact with the audience and community. The extent of his engagements in the 2025-26 Season will depend on the progress of the music director search.

Spano is known for his dedication to music education and his efforts to integrate living composers into American orchestral programming, and his values align with the mission of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School. The organization, the largest fully integrated professional orchestra and community music school in the United States, considers Spano an ideal fit for the role.

Executive director David Beauchesne expressed excitement about welcoming Spano, highlighting his global renown and describing him as “a sincerely dedicated and multifaceted artist—a brilliant conductor, composer, and educator,” adding, “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.”

In accepting the position, Spano expressed his enthusiasm for working with the orchestra and commended its commitment to the Music School. He emphasized the importance of teaching and mentoring young musicians, echoing his dedication to the future of symphonic music. Spano acknowledged the legacies of Larry Rachleff and Bramwell Tovey, affirming his desire to contribute to the organization and appreciating the warmth he experienced during his previous visit to Providence.

“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,” said 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.”

Along with this new post, Spano continues his tenure as music director of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Prior to Fort Worth, Spano boasted a remarkable 20-season legacy as music director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, where he continues as music director laureate. His musical leadership further extends to the Aspen Music Festival and School, where he has served as music director since 2011.

The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School, founded in 1944, uniquely prioritizes music education and performance, engaging individuals of all ages, incomes, and abilities, underscoring its commitment to comprehensive and accessible music education. ■

EXTERNAL LINKS:

Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School: riphil.org
Robert Spano: robertspanomusic.com

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