Michael Butterman’s Contract Extended through 2017-18 Season
For Immediate Release: December 18, 2013
Media Contacts: Sally Cohen, 585-749-1795, sally@sallycohenpr.com
RPO Info: rpo.org, facebook.com/RochesterPhilharmonic, twitter.com/RochesterPhil, rochesterphilharmonic.blogspot.com
MAESTRO BUTTERMAN’S CONTRACT EXTENDED THROUGH 2017/18 SEASON
RPO Principal Conductor for Education & Community Engagement currently in his 15th season
Rochester, NY – The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) is pleased to announce that its Principal Conductor for Education & Community Engagement, Michael Butterman (The Louise and Henry Epstein Family Chair), will continue with the orchestra through the end of its 2017/18 season.
“Having a conductor of Michael’s caliber as the guiding force behind our education and community programs is one of the many things that sets the RPO apart from other orchestras across the country, and we are especially thrilled that our relationship with Michael will continue for at least another three seasons,” says RPO President and CEO Charles Owens. “For the past fifteen years, he has distinguished himself as the conductor, creator, and host of hundreds of concerts that have delighted, engaged, and educated tens of thousands of young people and adults from across the region.”
Butterman’s position was the first of its kind in the country when it was created in 2000. Since then, he has consistently presented innovative programming, such as Feel the Beat with Baltimore “beatboxer” Shodekeh (OrKIDStra) and last season’s Intermediate Education Concerts in Kodak Hall (grades 4-6) called Inspiration, which explored in very interactive and creative ways how art, poetry and music inspire one another.
“Michael Butterman is an integral part of the RPO’s artistic team,” adds RPO Board Chair Dawn Lipson. “His abilities to reach our children and all segments of our community are vital to fulfilling our education mission. We could not be more delighted that Michael will remain part of the RPO family.”
Among other possible RPO projects, Butterman will continue to plan and conduct OrKIDStra, Primary Education, Intermediate Education, Tiny Tots, Around the Town, Sunday Matinee, and City and County concerts. He’s also expected to continue to conduct the RPO’s annual performances of The Nutcracker with Rochester City Ballet. The current season is Butterman’s first to conduct the RPO’s annual Gala Holiday Pops concerts, beginning tonight with the annual benefit for Rochester Rotary Sunshine Campus and the Monroe Community Hospital Foundation, and continuing this Friday through Sunday (December 19-21).
“My work with the RPO has been incredibly rewarding,” says Butterman, who’s also Music Director for the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra, the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra and the new Pennsylvania Philharmonic, as well as Resident Conductor of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. “Rochester is a very special community with a unique tradition of civic engagement with music, and the RPO has long been a leader in music education. We endeavor to help people of all ages develop a meaningful sense of connection to symphonic music, and I feel fortunate to be able to continue our important work together.
Butterman received the Monroe County Music Educator’s Award earlier this year for his contributions to area school music programs. He’s also a frequent guest conductor nationally and has gained international attention. For more complete biographical information, please visit www.rpo.org/Michael_Butterman or michaelbuttermanconductor.com
The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra has been committed to enriching and inspiring our community through the art of music since its founding in 1922. The RPO presents approximately 150 concerts and broadcasts a year, serving up to 200,000 people through ticketed events, education and community engagement activities, and concerts in schools and community centers throughout the region. Recently appointed 12th Music Director Ward Stare joins the ranks of former notable RPO music directors, including Eugene Goossens, José Iturbi, Erich Leinsdorf, David Zinman and Conductor Laureate Christopher Seaman. Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik has earned a national reputation for excellence in pops programming during his 20-year tenure with the RPO. With Michael Butterman as Principal Conductor for Education and Community Engagement (The Louise and Henry Epstein Family Chair) – the first position of its kind in the country – the RPO reaches more than 13,000 children through its specific programs for school-aged children.
Media please note: High-resolution images of Michael Butterman are available, and interviews and photo/footage opportunities can be arranged.
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