The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) and Music Director Kevin Rhodes have signed a three-year extension of his contract that will take him through the 65th anniversary of the symphony and beyond.
Rhodes began his tenure in Western Massachusetts at the start of the 2000-2001 musical season and his new contract will take him through the 2010-2011 season.
The new agreement was announced from the stage at the March 8 “Evening of Beethoven Concert” by Judy Collins, president of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra who called Rhodes’ contract extension a wonderful thing for the orchestra and the community. With a nearly sold-out audience and 300 musician and chorus members watching, Rhodes signed his new contract with a flourish.
“We are happy to have Maestro Rhodes for three more years. His talents have raised the bar for our orchestra with more and more people filling the seats at Symphony Hall. He has become a vital community resource. Since next year is a celebratory season, we are glad to have him at the helm for our 65th birthday,” said Collins.
Rhodes oversees a number of varied programs including planning a full classical music schedule as well as the Springfield Symphony Pops lineup. He conducts 75 musicians, the 100-voice Springfield Symphony Chorus, the Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestras and educational concerts that bring fourth and fifth graders, from the region to experience concerts in the hall during the school day.
At the contract signing SSO Executive Director Michael Jonnes said that Rhodes has become an icon in the community in the seven years he has been here.
“Maestro Rhodes is more than just a music director. He has become a vital community resource for the city and the region. He has reached out to community groups such as local Rotary Clubs, made appearances in classrooms and at colleges and was a motivational speaker at company-wide MassMutual conference a few years ago,” said Jonnes.
Rhodes, a Westfield resident, was asked how he feels about continuing to be the artistic leader of the organization. “It’s wonderful to have this vote of confidence,” he said. “I’m glad that I’m staying here. The Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Hall are my home,” he said.
In addition to living in the area and setting high standards for the orchestra, Rhodes also leads the orchestra of the Paris and Vienna operas. He also serves as music director of the Traverse City Michigan Symphony Orchestra.