Page 9 - 2019 MW1 Program

music director search 7 the audition process The WSO has selected five exceptional candidates who will each vye for the position of music director this season. Each candidate, in addition to conducting the rehearsals and concert, will spend a week in the Williamsburg community interacting with the search committee, other arts leaders, the Board of Trustees, artistic committee, and musicians. Following the concert, a sur- vey will be provided for all to complete and after the final Masterworks concert of the season, the survey results will be considered by the search committee in making a recommendation of a new music director to the WSO Board of Trustees. HOW MANY CONDUCTORS APPLIED FOR THE POSITION? 194 international conductors applied for the position and were reviewed by the search committee. WHO IS ON THE SEARCH COMMITTEE? The search committee is comprised of 3 board members, 3 musicians, and 2 community members. The committee spent 7,000 collective hours reviewing the applications, interviewing and selecting the finalists. WHAT CRITERIA WAS USED BY THE SEARCH COMMITTEE WHEN SELECTING A CANDIDATE? The committee assessed each applicant based on the following skills and traits: • Exceptional musicianship and conducting skills • Knowledge of a broad range of repertoire, symphonic and other • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills • A record of distinguished performance at the national and/or international level • Marked passion for engaging with audiences and encouraging an interest in innovative programming • Experience with outreach, audience development, and fundraising • Strong penchant for collaboration • Excellent oral and written communication skills • Vision, passion, and an ability to inspire • Unwavering integrity THE MUSIC DIRECTOR CANDIDATES • Wesley Schulz: September 13, 2019 • Paul Polivnick: October 22,2019 • Steven White: November 21, 2019 • James Blachly: January 16, 2020 • Andrés Lopera: March 26, 2020 HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE IN THE SELECTION PROCESS? Take time to complete the email or written survey provided to you after the concert. The surveys will be reviewed by the search committee as they evaluate each candidate. Please share what you like about the candidate, the musical program, and rate them according to the survey provided. For more information about the candidates, visit www.williamsburgsymphony.org!