Music Director Dirk Brosse To Extend Commitment To Chamber Orchestra Of Philadelphia

A founding resident company of The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia (COP) announces Music Director Dirk Brossé has renewed his commitment as Music Director through the 2021-2022 season. "Maestro Brossé's immense dedication to chamber orchestra is impressive," says Associate Concertmaster Meichen Liao-Barnes, whose 30-year association with COP has allowed her to work with founder Mark Mostovoy, Ignat Solzhenitsyn, and now Music Director Dirk Brossé. "It has been enriching to work with Dirk," continued Liao-Barnes, "He has brought a renewed dedication to diverse programming and has introduced new dynamic soloists to our audiences." "Dirk's singular vision, creativity, and uncompromising integrity have ushered in an exciting era for the Chamber Orchestra," says Executive Director Bill Rhoads, who took the helm of the orchestra in September 2016. "We are thrilled to build on the tremendous momentum Dirk has generated since his appointment in 2010 and to continue to offer the vibrant programming and unforgettable performances that have become COP's hallmark under his direction."

"I am delighted to continue working with this first-class orchestra and its musicians," says Music Director Dirk Brossé. "There are no doubt challenges for the future of performing arts, however, we will face these challenges with the same passion and love of music The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia has built its reputation on. The next five years will be an important time for us. I'm excited to lead the Chamber Orchestra through this watershed period of evolution, both in our programming and in our vision for the future."

"The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia is truly in a unique position to pioneer what it means to be a chamber orchestra in the 21st century," remarked Board President Dr. Susan Schwartz McDonald. "This exciting renewed commitment of Maestro Brossé coupled with the recent appointment of our new Executive Director Bill Rhoads is the makings of unparalleled growth and quality for the Chamber Orchestra, and we couldn't be more ecstatic."

This announcement comes after a spectacular year for Brossé, having been nominated for a Golden Calf award by the Netherland Film Festival for his score to In My Father's Garden by international film director Ben Sombogaart. Brossé's work in film and television can also be heard in the BBC's Parade's End, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, which aired in 2012 and is now streaming on HBO. In November 2016, Warner Music released a recording of Brossé's Cello Concerto for Isabelle featuring cellist Marie Hallynck, and the London Symphony Orchestra.

Brossé will conduct the Chamber Orchestra on the February series program Brossé conducts The Sounds of America featuring all American compositions with music by Piston, Hagen, Whitacre, Fuchs, Wintory, and Corigliano. In May 2017, Brossé will conduct the world premiere of his newest composition Pictures at an Exhibition featuring works of art from the Philadelphia Museum of Art with The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia in the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

(PHOTO: Philly.com)