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Michael Pastreich has been named the new
president and CEO of The Florida Orchestra, James R. Gillespie,
board chairman, announced in September. He comes to the Tampa Bay
area from Chicago where he has served as the executive director of
the Elgin Symphony Orchestra since 1996.
Pastreich replaces Leonard D. Stone who
earlier this year announced his plans to retire. Stone said, "I am
delighted he has been selected as my successor. He comes with a
fine reputation and brings new energy and ideas to the challenges
and opportunities facing the orchestra."
Pastreich begins his tenure at the
orchestra in October, just a few days into its 40th anniversary
season.
Gillespie said, "Michael's success at the
Elgin Symphony was directly related to his ability to develop
long-term strategic solutions to their challenges. He is highly
disciplined and results oriented, always seeking opportunities for
the orchestra. At this time in our orchestra's history, it's
important that we have found someone who will help us achieve a
balanced and sustainable company that will perform at a high level
of artistic quality."
At Elgin, Pastreich worked with city
government and venue management, along with ESO board, staff and
musicians, to redefine the symphony's role in the community and
experience success.
Pastreich received his Bachelor of Fine
Arts at Washington University in St. Louis and conducted his
graduate studies at Lahden Muotoiluinstituuti in Lahti, Finland as
a Fulbright Scholar. During the 2005/06 season he received the
honor of "Manager of the Year" by the Illinois Council of
Orchestras and has actively served the American Symphony Orchestra
League, the Illinois Council of Orchestras and the Symphony
Orchestra Institute in a variety of leadership roles.
Currently The Florida Orchestra is
conducting a series of contract negotiation meetings with the
musicians. The previous three-year agreement concluded August 31,
and resolution is being sought for a new agreement.
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