Sojournstar Music

Ski poles have none of the subtlety of a conductor’s baton, but for Arthur Fagen, it was the former that led to the latter. Fagen is the final candidate for the position of music director of the Richmond Symphony. When he was in high school, his family went on a ski vacation and happened to stay in the same lodge as Laszlo Halasz, founder and first director of the New York City Opera. The two became acquainted, and Halasz suggested that Fagen expand his musical talents and take conducting lessons with him. - Sojournstar Music

The Richmond Symphony had 240 applicants for the position of music director and narrowed the field to nine finalists. David Fisk, the symphony’s executive director, spoke recently about what will happen once the last candidate has left town. When will the decision be made? Before the end of this year. The symphony will announce the decision once contract negotiations are complete. - Sojournstar Music