Jeff vom Saal, Executive Director of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, has announced his intention to leave his employment with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. Jeff, his wife Robyn, and their two children will be moving to the San Francisco area at the end of this summer, where Robyn will be taking on an expanded role with her current employer. In a letter to the Board of Trustees, Jeff vom Saal said, "This has been a very difficult decision for my family to make, as we have been delighted with our time in the Quad Cities." Jeff is currently exploring several employment opportunities in the orchestra industry near San Francisco.
Jeff vom Saal was named Executive Director in 2007, during the Music Director search that brought Conductor Mark Russell Smith to the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. During Jeff's tenure as Executive Director, the Quad City Symphony Orchestra has expanded its annual concert offerings, including recently two free public performances during Red, White, and Boom! The QCSO's Masterworks series has also increased its subscriber base by 20%. This time period boasts many memorable artistic achievements such as Midori's residency, the multi-media performance of The Planets, and most recently Mark Russell Smith's production of War Requiem. "Ultimately, being a musician myself, I'm probably most proud of the personal relationships I've been able to develop with our orchestra," said Jeff vom Saal. "We've been able to maintain good communication and transparency through some tough financial times and even union negotiations."
"The Board is sorry to hear of Jeff's decision, but we are also very excited for Jeff and his family," said Board of Trustees President Julie McHard. "We've accomplished a lot as an organization during Jeff's time with us and his will be a tough act to follow." The Board of Trustees' executive committee has begun meeting to plan for a search to replace vom Saal.
Jeff vom Saal was named Executive Director in 2007, during the Music Director search that brought Conductor Mark Russell Smith to the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. During Jeff's tenure as Executive Director, the Quad City Symphony Orchestra has expanded its annual concert offerings, including recently two free public performances during Red, White, and Boom! The QCSO's Masterworks series has also increased its subscriber base by 20%. This time period boasts many memorable artistic achievements such as Midori's residency, the multi-media performance of The Planets, and most recently Mark Russell Smith's production of War Requiem. "Ultimately, being a musician myself, I'm probably most proud of the personal relationships I've been able to develop with our orchestra," said Jeff vom Saal. "We've been able to maintain good communication and transparency through some tough financial times and even union negotiations."
"The Board is sorry to hear of Jeff's decision, but we are also very excited for Jeff and his family," said Board of Trustees President Julie McHard. "We've accomplished a lot as an organization during Jeff's time with us and his will be a tough act to follow." The Board of Trustees' executive committee has begun meeting to plan for a search to replace vom Saal.
The Quad City Symphony Orchestra will perform some cool, new music in some cool, new digs this weekend when the QCSO presents the high-energy, rhythmic compositions of contemporary composer Marc Mellits in Davenport's Redstone Room. Marc Mellits is one of the leading American composers of his generation, enjoying hundreds of performances throughout the world every year. His unique musical style is an eclectic combination of driving rhythms, soaring lyricism, and colorful orchestrations that all combine to communicate directly with the listener. This final concert of the Signature Series is in the Redstone Room of the River Music Experience on May 19 at 8:00 p.m.
The Quad City Symphony Orchestra's Principal Percussionist Aaron Williams has selected works from Mellits' high energy and sensual catalog. Helping Williams bring this vibrant music to life will be QCSO musicians: Principal Cellist Hannah Holman, Pianist Mary Neil, and Percussionist Tony Oliver.
