WILLIAMSPORT — After 150 applicants from around the world, then a yearlong auditioning process, the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra has chosen Tomasz Golka to be its next Music Director and Conductor. His identity was kept “top secret” until a special unveiling ceremony and news conference held May 29 at the Community Arts Center. Golka was greeted by sponsors and supporters of the WSO, Mayor Gabe Campana and staff, and members of the media and arts community.
Valerie Whyman, Executive Director of the WSO, explained, “We spent the past season auditioning five conductors. It has been a wonderful and energizing process, and the orchestra has been privileged to work with highly qualified candidates. During this search, we had to find a conductor who would not only maintain the high standard that we have set ourselves, but who would also take the orchestra to the next level and increase our regional presence and reputation.
“Tomasz Golka is the overwhelming favorite to take on this job. He has made a lasting impression and connection with both the musicians and with the audience.”
Based in New York City, Golka is also Music Director for the Lubbock Symphony in Texas. Since winning First Prize at the 2003 Eduardo Mata International Conducting Competition, the thirty-year-old conductor has appeared in performances of over one hundred major works with such orchestras as the Seattle, Fort Worth, Louisville, Charleston, and Florida West Coast symphonies.
As a conducting fellow at the Tanglewood Music Festival, Golka worked with James Levine, shared the podium with Bernard Haitink, and conducted a historic performance of Stravinsky’s “Soldier’s Tale” legendary composers Milton Babbitt, Elliott Carter, and John Harbison as narrators. Other recent highlights include a successful European debut in Warsaw, Poland, the city of his birth, and conducting Sinfonia Varsovia in National Symphony Hall, with his pianist-brother Adam Golka as soloist.
As an avid supporter of living composers, Golka has several world premieres under his belt, including Górecki’s Sinfonietta. Golka has held four prior Music Director positions, and he has served as Cover Conductor for the Cleveland Orchestra as well as the Houston and New Jersey Symphonies. He has toured Mexico several times, appearing with virtually all of the country’s top orchestras.
Golka joins the WSO as it approaches its 42nd season, and at the news conference he previewed programming details for 2008-09 season.
The WSO has been nationally recognized by the League of Symphony Orchestras as well as the National Endowment for the Arts. Members of the WSO include award-winning authors, educators and solo artists.
For more information contact the WSO office 322-0227 or info@williamsportsymphony.com or go to www.williamsportsymphony.com.
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