The Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) released a statement today announcing what was described as the “departure” of Junichi Hirokami as the organization’s music director. It is not yet clear if Junichi resigned for the position of if he was dismissed by the CSO board, however, based on a comment from CSO board chair, Martin Inglis, it looks as though the decision came from within the organization, “…as we move forward into the new season, we have agreed with Mr. Hirokami that we will do so under the leadership of a new Music Director,” said Inglis. “And we are currently in the process of recruiting a new Music Director for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.”
UPDATE 4:25PM CT: According to a letter from Hirokami, he was dismissed by the CSO board…
Hirokami’s letter was addressed to the CSO musicians and the board and claims that Buzz Trafford told him that his appearing with the organization would be hurtful to the CSO as an institution. A copy of the letter is availalbe at the CSO musicians’ website: www.symphonymusicians.com
Postscript: Bill Eddins has some excellent views on this situation at his blog: share and enjoy.
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