CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A search committee at the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra has their work cut out for them to find the ideal replacement for Maestro Grant Cooper who announced his retirement earlier this fall.
“We have received literally resumes from around the world,” said WVSO President Joe Tackett.
The committee, made up of 13 members, will spend the next few months reviewing resumes, evaluating videos and recordings and consulting with musicians to pick the best candidates to visit Charleston.
“The idea is that next season, the 2016-17 season, there will be six guest conductors that come in and hopefully the candidate will be picked from those six guest conductors and become the next music director,” Tackett said.
Cooper, who began his fifteenth season with the WVSO this year, has said he plans to remain in his current position until it’s filled.
“Grant has been wonderful in that he wants to ensure that there’s a good transition, so we’re not just having to scramble to find someone to lead the orchestra,” said Tackett.
Tackett said Cooper has decided on a three-year transition period, so the orchestra always has strong musical leadership.
Whoever the next conductor is, Tackett said that person will have big shoes to fill.
“Grant has really built the orchestra up to just an incredible, not just musical organization, but a great educational organization for the state of West Virginia,” he said.
Tackett said the committee is looking for someone who can continue the musical excellence at the WVSO and build on Cooper’s 15-year career.
“I think they’re looking for someone with strong community ties, a person who has great musical knowledge and also a person that can connect with the community and build collaborations,” he said.
Resumes will be accepted through Dec. 31.