Eight notable music conductors have been named finalists in the music director search by the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. The two-year search process kicked off last year when Andrew Grams announced he would depart at the end of the 2020-21 season. The new music director will be announced at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season.
One of the finalists was a guest conductor in the ESO’s 2021-22 season. Canadian conductor Tania Miller led the ESO in its October 2021 season opener, “Pines of Rome.” She was music director for Canada’s Victoria Symphony for 14 years and was named Director Emerita for her commitment to the community. Miller will conduct the Calgary Opera next year.
The seven additional finalists will make their ESO appearances in the 2022-23 season:
Andres Lopera on Oct. 8 and 9, 2022 Lopera is in his third season as associate conductor of the Columbus Symphony and music director of the Columbus Youth Symphony Orchestra.
John Gennaro Devlin on Nov. 5 and 6, 2022 As music director of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, Devlin, at age 35, is one of the nation’s youngest music directors to lead a professional symphony orchestra.
Andrew Crust on Jan. 7 and 8, 2023 Crust is associate conductor of the Vancouver Symphony in Canada and is in his second season as music director of the Lima Symphony.
Kyle Ritenauer on Feb. 4 and 5, 2023 Ritenauer is founder and artistic director of the Uptown Philharmonic, and has led ensembles across North America, Europe, and Asia. He is also on the conducting faculty of the Manhattan School of Music.
Lee Mills on March 4 and 5, 2023 Mills is currently the associate conductor of the Seattle Symphony and previously served as resident conductor of the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra.
Alex Amsel on April 1 and 2, 2023 Argentinian-born conductor Alex Amsel is currently assistant conductor for the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra’s 2019-2021 seasons.
Chad Goodman on May 6 and 7, 2023 Goodman is currently conducting fellow for the New World Symphony, and founder and artistic director of the Elevate Ensemble.