RPO Conductors Seaman and Tyzik Renew Contracts

Rochester, NY – The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra is pleased to announce that Music Director Christopher Seaman and Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik each have renewed three-year contracts through August 2011. “Although Christopher and Jeff still have a year remaining on their present contracts, they have chosen to make an early commitment to the Orchestra and the community for an additional three years,” said RPO Board Chair Jim Boucher, announcing it at the “Rhapsody in Rochester” Gala fundraiser on July 7.  “Not only does this reflect the health and stability of our organization, but it also provides continuity in the excellence of our musical leadership and communicates the professional fulfillment of our musical leaders.”

Next season, Christopher Seaman will be celebrating a decade as RPO Music Director.  In that role, he is responsible for planning the Philharmonics and Symphony 101 Series, as well as special classical concerts.  He conducts eight of the 14 Philharmonics concerts pairs, summer concerts in Canandaigua and concerts at the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival in Vail, Colorado.  Christopher Seaman is recognized has having raised the artistic level of the Orchestra to its present excellence.  “I feel delighted and greatly honored that the RPO Board of Directors has asked me to renew my contract as music director of this great orchestra,” noted Christopher Seaman.  “The next two years will be especially exciting for the organization, particularly in regard to the wonderful benefits that the Eastman Theatre renovation will have for the Orchestra.  I’m also looking forward to exciting plans for future recordings.”

Jeff Tyzik is finishing his thirteenth season as the RPO’s Principal Pops Conductor.  His newly-released Gershwin CD with the Orchestra and pianist Jon Nakamatsu on the harmonia mundi label has been at the top of the Classical Billboard chart since its debut on June 7.  Tyzik programs and conducts most of the WPOP Series concerts and can be seen leading the orchestra’s popular Casual Sunday Matinee Series, Around the Town, special pops and summer concerts, and conducted his third Philharmonics Series concert in 2005-06.  He also conducted last year’s first ground-breaking “Symphony on the Erie” concert, memorialized on canvas by artist Eric Waugh.  “It’s been an exciting 13-year relationship with the RPO musicians and staff,” said Tyzik.  “Together, we have created and performed wonderful concerts for the Rochester community of which I’m extremely proud.  I look forward to continuing my tenure with one of America’s greatest orchestras right here in Rochester.”