The Tucson Symphony Orchestra on Wednesday named Venezuelan-born, Spanish conductor JosΓ© Luis Gomez to succeed George Hanson as music director.
The move comes 2 Β½ years after the orchestra launched its search in earnest and days before Gomez is to take the podium for his third TSO performance since October 2014.
Gomez was among 16 candidates vying for the position.
Gomez connected with the orchestra in a way that stood out from the other candidates, said Mark Blakeman, CEO and president of TSO.
βHis chemistry with musicians of the Tucson Symphony was really unparalleled in the ability to connect with them,β Blakeman said. βI was astounded going to the first rehearsal of a particular weekβs work then hearing the finished product, and seeing just really how he helps bring the music to life. He really inspires the orchestra and brings them along musically, and I think that thatβs certainly one of the strengths that he brings to the table. And itβs really that chemistry with the orchestra. Heβs obviously a very talented musician and he is a rising star in the conducting world.β
Gomez will be the orchestraβs conductor designate for the 2016-17 season, which is already mapped out. He will conduct four concerts, including the season opener in September and a special featuring the Romero Guitar Quartet in March 2017, before assuming complete reins for the 2017-18 season, TSO officials said.
Gomez, in an interview Monday in the TSO offices, said one of his goals will be to incorporate more Latin in the orchestraβs repertoire, including works from Venezuelan composers. He also would like to delve into recordings, a proposal that strikes a chord with Blakeman.
βHe has great aspiration, and thatβs one of the things I really love about him. He thinks big and I am excited to partner with him because I love doing recordings,β said Blakeman, who on Monday was in Los Angeles with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra to accept the Grammy for best classical compendium in a recording of Stephen Paulusβ works. Blakeman, the former Nashville chief operating officer, was executive producer of the project.
Gomez, 37, has residences in Spain and Italy and said he also will maintain a residence in Tucson. TSO officials said he will be in Tucson at least 14 concert weeks per season and will conduct at least five Classics, one Pops and three MasterWorks concerts.
βI think thereβs a kind of nice, warm welcome the times I have been here,β he said. βIt is a very friendly community and it makes me feel very welcome.β
Gomez has been an in-demand guest conductor around the world following his 2010 first-place award at the prestigious International Conductorsβ Competition Sir Georg Solti in Germany.
