Windsor Symphony Orchestra announces four conductor finalists

The Windsor Symphony Orchestra has narrowed candidates down to its final four conductors to become the new music director. CTV Windsor’s Bob Bellacicco reports.

More than 120 applications have been whittled down in the search for a new conductor for the Windsor Symphony Orchestra.

“We all came to it with different perspectives, different reasons and these four rose to the top,” said Deborah Severs, WSO Chair of the hiring committee.

The Windsor Symphony Orchestra revealed their Final Four Wednesday morning as they continue their search for a new conductor following the death of longtime music director Robert Franz last September.

“We know that they are world class musicians and we’re so grateful that they would even consider coming to be here with us in Windsor,” said board Chair Kyle Kootstra, who noted the interest the opening garnered. “What the Windsor Symphony Orchestra is doing is genuinely remarkable with the context of a regional North American symphony and they wanted to come and be a part of it.”

Applicants from all over the world were interested in the position and here are the four finalists: Andrew Crust, Benoit Gauthier, Cosette Justo Valdez and Carolyn Watson.

“Each one of these applicants has already presented us with a compelling vision for where they would like to see the Windsor Symphony Orchestra go next, how we can better work with our community, engage new community groups,” Kootstra said.

Born in the U.S, Crust is an award-winning conductor across the US and Canada. He is the current Music Director of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra.

Gauthier is a Canadian recognized for this intensity, depth and his ability to communicate the power of his interpretations. He has appeared with many orchestras across North America including Windsor’s earlier this year.

Justo Valdez is Cuban born known for igniting new passions in her audiences. She is currently the Artistic and Music Director of the Vancouver Island Symphony.

Originally from Australia, Watson has worked extensively in the U.S. since 2013 and is a committed educator who rules dynamically with enthusiasm. She is Music Director of the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra in Indiana.

Each candidate will come to Windsor for two visits with one being a full week during the upcoming season. They’ll each conduct two WSO concerts.

They’ll also meet the hiring committee, staff, musicians, donours, sponsors and visit schools and conduct concerts.

“They all know community outreach and education is a huge component of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra,” Severs said.

Justo Valdez will be the first conductor in Windsor on opening night, Sept. 26, at the Capitol Theatre for “From Paris to Madrid.”

The symphony wants audience feedback during this process so they’ll be asking fans to fill out a survey after each conductor’s show.

A new conductor is expected to be chosen following the conclusion of the upcoming season.

“I know our musicians. They will want to play their best for each of these guest conductors too for sure they will,” said Severs.