April 25, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Portland, Ore. … Mei-Ann Chen, a rising young conductor who became Conductor and Music Director of the Portland Youth Philharmonic in August of 2002, has been appointed Assistant Conductor of the Oregon Symphony, said Symphony President Tony Woodcock today. Chen was appointed by the Symphony’s Music Director Designate Carlos Kalmar; her two year appointment begins in August.
“I am delighted that Carlos’ decision is to appoint Mei-Ann,” said Woodcock, who also serves as a member of the PYP Board of Directors. “I have rarely come across a more outstanding young conductor whose musicianship and technical ability just radiate across to the audience and to the orchestra.” Chen’s appointment concluded a nationwide search led by the Symphony’s Artistic Advisory Committee, chaired by Principal Cello Nancy Ives. The committee viewed videos of more than 135 applicants, then selected finalists who conducted the orchestra during two rehearsal sessions. Their recommendation to Kalmar followed review of those auditions and a consideration of a full polling of the orchestra.
“We also are delighted that Mei Ann has been honored with this selection,” said PYP Board Chair Bruce Samson. “Under her contract with PYP she is encouraged to ‘pursue opportunities to enhance personal, professional, and artistic skills.’” Samson added that the appointment will not impact Chen’s full-time commitment to the PYP orchestras. “Next season, Mei-Ann has very full and undiminished programs and plans for PYP. She will personally direct and rehearse both the PYP and PYCO with some adjustments to rehearsal schedules in order to accommodate her new Oregon Symphony responsibilities.”
Chen’s primary responsibilities with the Symphony will be to conduct all Youth and Kids Concerts and to serve as the primary “cover” conductor for Classical concerts (learning the repertoire and stepping in should a scheduled conductor cancel).
The appointment will serve to further strengthen the growing relationship between the two organizations, said Woodcock.