The Toledo Symphony Orchestra named noted Canadian conductor-composer Alain Trudel as its new Music Director this morning, less than a month after its last maestro, Stefan Sanderling, officially vacated the position.
TSO President and CEO Zak Vassar introduced Trudel at a morning press conference, calling him the best of the 20 candidates considered for the job, most of whom served as guest conductors for the orchestra over the past two seasons.
Sanderling, who lead the orchestra from 2003 to 2017, left for a similar position with the Symphony Orchestra of the Principality of Liechtenstein. He had announced his impending departure in 2015.
Vassar said Trudel received strong support from the orchestra's musicians, a search committee lead TSO trustee chairman Randy Oostra, and symphony administrators. He said the Montreal native's “joy for music is obvious, and he will share that joy not only with our audiences, but also with individuals and groups throughout the communities of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.”
Added the chief executive: “With Alain's appointment, we turn the page in the story of the Toledo Symphony. He was a unanimous choice.”
Trudel, who turns 51 on Tuesday, arrives with impressive credentials. He is currently Music Director of l'Orchestra Symphonique de Laval in Quebec, Principal Youth and Family Conductor with the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ontario, Principal Guest Conductor of the Victoria Symphony Orchestra, and Guest Musical Adviser for the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra.
A trombonist by training, Trudel, first started playing at age 12 and made his professional debut at age 18. As a guest conductor, he last lead the TSO in a pair of Classics concerts in April.
In a conversation before his introduction, he told The Blade he’s enthusiastic about moving to Toledo, and that he hopes to take an “already great” orchestra to the next level.
“I wouldn't be accepting this position if I didn't think [TSO musicians] compared well to others around the world,” he said. “I have three pillars, all of equal importance: the excellence of the music making, the education aspect, and our community. You need to be relevant in your community.
“[People] talk often about corporate citizens; we'll we're cultural citizens. That's important, because otherwise you're just playing for yourself.”
Because professional orchestras plan their seasons and book guest artists a year in advance, Trudel will serve as Music Director Designate for the next year. He will officially assume his duties on July 1, 2018, in time to lead the orchestra's 75th season.
Trudel will be the symphony's ninth Music Director since its founding in 1946. He will conduct two concerts during the upcoming 2017-18 season, including the music of Liszt, Mozart and Rachmaninoff.
“I'm one of the lucky ones who's living my dream,” Trudel added. “My dream is to make music, to share and play with my colleagues, so I'm very, very lucky that I get to do that.”
Contact Mike Pearson at: mpearson@theblade.com or 419-724-6159.
First Published June 9, 2017, 2:10 p.m.
