Photo by Justin Fox Burks
Mei-Ann Chen
Mei-Ann Chen, who has served as Conductor and Music Director for the Memphis Symphony Orchestra since 2010, will step down when her contract expires at the end of the 2015-2016 concert season.
According to a press release issued Fri., Feb 27, officials from the MSO are currently in discussions about her future role with the symphony as Conductor Laureate.
With her dramatic, dance-like conducting style, Chen is often credited with revitalizing the orchestra, although it’s probably more fair to say that she brought her rising star-power to an already innovative orchestra, in the process of revitalizing itself through a variety of artist-led, community building initiatives.
“Mei-Ann is one of the most in-demand guest conductors for orchestras, and we respect her decision to step away at this time to pursue her many opportunities around the world,” MSO Board Chair Gayle S. Rose was quoted as saying.
Although it has enjoyed a period of exceptional artistic achievement, he MSO has fallen on hard times and is working to determine the new way forward.
MSO President and CEO Roland Valliere says the 2015-2016 will be dedicated to Chen.
