Associate Professor of Conducting Robert Spano '84 Named Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra; Will Retain Position as Music Director of Brooklyn Philharmonic Story by Linda Shockley
			Robert Spano '84, most recently seen on campus when he conducted the fall Opera Theater production of Massenet's "Manon," was recently named music director of The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO), the largest performing arts organization in the Southeast. Spano, who is also music director at the Brooklyn Philharmonic, will share the position with Donald Runnicles, music director of the San Francisco Opera. Both directors will retain their current positions. In a February 9 article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Wendell Brock wrote, "By recruiting a critics' darling with a knack for contemporary programming, the ASO is positioning itself for greater recognition and record sales." ASO president Allison Vulgamore '80 is an Oberlin alumna and a member of Oberlin College's board of trustees. In the Atlanta Journal-Constitution article she said, "I think Robert is going to be very hot with that young (professional) market. We've done something very big here by stealing him." Spano's appointment to the ASO was featured in The New York Times and The Atlanta Journal Constitution. Robert Spano is currently on the cover of the most recent Conservatory News. He is featured in a two-page interview where he discusses the differences in working with professional orchestras from working with students, his expectations, repertoire and advice for up-and-coming musicians. Pick up a copy of the magazine in Wilder or at the Conservatory.
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