Redlands Symphony Conducting Search for New Artistic Leadership

Jon Robertson, the Music Director and Conductor of the Redlands Symphony, will retire from the podium at the end of the orchestra’s 2016-17 season after 34 years as the organization’s artistic leader. The Symphony has launched an international search for a new artistic leader who will take over their duties in the fall of 2017. “Jon Robertson is an extraordinary artist and leader,” said Paul Ideker, the Redlands Symphony’s President & CEO. “He has built a world-class orchestra and in the process managed to attract the love, admiration and respect of an entire community as well as myself and the other people who have been privileged to work with him over these many years." “My departure from the Redlands Symphony and this community will be like leaving family,” commented Maestro Robertson. “But with the gift of good health I’ve been given, it’s time to spend more time with my beautiful wife, Florence, and my children, and to focus even more on my role in helping shape new musical artists as Dean of the Lynn Conservatory of Music. Truly, in my heart, Redlands will always be with me.” The transition to new artistic leadership for the Redlands Symphony has begun with a far-reaching canvas of potential candidates for the position. “We have contacted conductors, leading musical educators and artist representatives from around the world as we search for the next great leader for our organization,” Ideker said. “We are looking for someone with great artistic vision and talent and the skills to engage and energize our audience, the musicians and the greater community. In short, we are looking for someone to take Redlands Symphony to the next level of musicianship and performance.” The search is being conducted by a committee that includes Maestro Robertson, Symphony board members, musicians, representatives from the University of Redlands, and members of the community. The committee is being chaired by board member Bruce Satzger. Application materials from interested candidates will be accepted by the Symphony until Dec. 1, 2014. At that time, a first level screening will take place to determine who among the initial group is qualified to move on to a second level review. The committee’s goal is to identify three finalists by the spring of 2015. Finalists will be invited to conduct a regular concert during the Symphony’s 2015-16 season. The new Music Director/Conductor will be announced at the end of that season and will take the podium as the Conductor Designate in Season 2016-17. Maestro Robertson will pass the baton at the final concert of that season in April 2017. A copy of the job description and more detailed information about the search process is available to interested candidates by writing to symphony@redlandssymphony.com. Please put “Conductor” in the subject line.