Helena Symphony & Music Director Renew Commitment Through 2019
March 26, 2011
On Saturday, March 26 before a performance of Mahler’s Sixth Symphony by the Helena Symphony Orchestra in the Helena Civic Center, the Helena Symphony announced the renewal of the contract of Music Director Allan R. Scott through 2019. After a two year search almost a decade ago, the Helena Symphony appointed internationally-noted Philadelphia Conductor Allan R. Scott as the 14th Music Director of the Helena Symphony in 2003 for a term of three years. As audiences quadrupled, donations grew, and the Symphony became a part of the lives of the people in Helena in less than two years, the Board quickly renewed his contract in 2005 that was scheduled to end in June 2012.
The Symphony Board of Directors and Maestro Scott’s agent, InterArts Management (New York City, NY), spent the past three months negotiating a new contract that becomes effective July 1, 2011 replacing the current contract. The new agreement extends Maestro Scott’s tenure for an additional eight seasons, ending June 2019. The new agreement also makes Maestro Scott the longest term Music Director in the 56th year history of the Helena Symphony.
“Maestro Scott’s artistic vision has helped make the Helena Symphony a cultural icon in Montana,” says Symphony President Kathy Bramer. “He has brought national attention to the cultural life of Helena and the Board wanted to certain we continued to have his artistic vision and presence in Helena. It is other very serendipitous that our timeline for this announcement falls on the annual performance of the music of Mahler. Maestro Scott is noted for his performances of Mahler, and Mahler’s music demonstrates the connection that a conductor and orchestra have with each other.” Maestro Scott is particularly noted for his performances of the works of Gustav Mahler, and currently completing a complete multi-year Mahler cycle with the Helena Symphony where they are performing all of the symphonies of Mahler by 2012.
“In addition to Maestro Scott’s international guest conducting career, he has brought great music to the city of Helena,” explains Mr. Scott Flaherty of InterArts Management, Maestro Scott’s agent and manager. “The commitment that the Helena Symphony and Maestro Scott have made demonstrates the continued desire and excitement that they both share for ensuring artistic excellence in Helena. It is clear why Helena continues to be considered the best small arts community in the nation, and I am thrilled Maestro Scott will remain a part of it.”
“The Board voted unanimously to renew Maestro Scott’s contract and to open negotiations with his agent several months ago,” states Symphony Vice President Kori Dee. “The past three months gave both parties an opportunity to create a thorough and mutually beneficial agreement. We are especially grateful that InterArts Management voluntarily offered Maestro Scott’s annual base pay to remain the same for an additional season.” Mr. Flaherty explained that “Maestro Scott insisted on a pay freeze four seasons ago when the nation’s economic climate became quite volatile, and we think it is the best interest of the Symphony to begin the new agreement without any increase to his base pay for the first season of the contract.”
“It is because of the musicians’ never-ending desire to achieve artistic excellence that keeps me here,” states Maestro Scott. “It is humbling to breathe life into some of the greatest works of music and to share a stage with the 75 players of the Helena Symphony Orchestra and the 85 singers of the Helena Symphony Chorale. But most importantly, I am grateful for the support that the community of Helena has given the Symphony. The Helena Symphony exists for the people of Helena, and I am honored to be able to be a part of a community that embraces artistic excellence.”
Maestro Scott resides in Helena and Philadelphia as he maintains two full time artistic director posts; serving as Music Director of the Helena Symphony and Music Director of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Symphony Orchestra (Pennsylvania). Maestro Scott national and international appearances have garnered significant attention, including recent performances with the National Radio Orchestra of Romania and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (New Zealand). His performances have aired on the BBC, NPR, and PBS.
Maestro Scott is exclusively represented by InterArts Management in New York City, NY. Please visit www.interartsmanagement.com for more detailed information on Maestro Scott.
