After nine years, Dr. Donald Portnoy has decided to step down as artistic director and conductor of Brevard Philharmonic.
His tenure began when Dr. Emerson Head put down his baton in 2007. With Portnoy's guidance, the Brevard Philharmonic has grown in professionalism, recognition and ticket sales.
Portnoy's contributions have been boundless. He has brought renowned soloists including Misha Dichter, Zeyu Victor Li, Zuill Bailey and many others to Brevard.
His passion for exciting pops concerts, holiday celebrations and exceptional performances like the Cirque de la Symphonie will leave a lasting mark of excellence in Brevard arts.
Carole Futrelle, the board president, said, "We have enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with Dr. Portnoy. We appreciate all of his guidance and are so grateful for what he has done for the Brevard Philharmonic and our community."
The board has scheduled guest conductors for the three upcoming concerts and has made plans to search for a new conductor/artistic director in the coming year.
The orchestra has now become yet another essential piece of the musical landscape of Brevard and is looking for the perfect fit to expand an already amazing organization.
Tickets are now on sale for Brahms and Rachmaninoff on Sunday, Feb. 26, at 3 p.m.
The concert will feature Joyce Yang on the piano. Yang will bring her scintillating playing to the Porter Center to join the Brevard Philharmonic for "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" by Rachmaninoff.
The New York Times praises her "Vivid and beautiful playing." The Washington Post calls her "Poetic." Yang is the 2005 Silver Medal winner at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, and she has gone on to solo with the world's top orchestras.
The afternoon opens with the Philharmonic playing Brahms Symphony No. 1 in C minor.
The Brevard Philharmonic is a nonprofit organization comprised of local and regional musicians, presenting six concerts annually at Brevard College's Porter Center for the Performing Arts. Its mission is to foster in the community and schools an appreciation for classical music and the performing arts.
Individual tickets are $25 to $35 per concert.
A three-concert package is also available. Call (828) 884-4221 or visit the Philharmonic online at https://brevardphilharmonic.org.
http://www.transylvaniatimes.com/story/2017/01/26/arts/donald-portnoy-to-step-down-as-brevard-philharmonic-conductor-brevard-nc/31064.html
