The search is on for a new maestro. Conductor Anthony Elliot is stepping down from his role as director of the Dexter Community Orchestra (DCO).
From the DCO web site: “Maestro Elliott has been our music director since 2010 and during those eight seasons has been our conductor and our musical inspiration. His acute sense of humor and infinite musical patience has carried us through many difficult passages, and his coaching has often resulted in musical achievements beyond our most optimistic dreams. We wish him a fond farewell as he embarks on his next adventure and with the hope that he will have joy and further musical triumphs in the future.”
Anthony Elliott is Professor of Cello and Conductor of the Michigan Youth Symphony Orchestra at the University of Michigan. His career in the field of classical music has been groundbreaking as his many awards and accolades reflect. He has been tireless in his work to bring music to inner city schools. He has given countless workshops, clinics and performances in schools and community centers across the country.
DCO Board member, Lori Sprague says about Elliott’s departure, “In the world of orchestras it’s not uncommon for a music director to spend 6-8 seasons with an organization before moving on to new opportunities and challenges.”
The Dexter Community Orchestra is one of many cultural enrichment groups located in Dexter. The group seeks to preserve the heritage of classical music as well as providing the benefits that only come through live musical performances. The orchestra is a place for amateur musicians to play and an opportunity for the community to experience a wide range of classical music.
The official DCO farewell concert for Maestro Elliot was held at their May 6 concert but folks will have one last opportunity to see him conducting the DCO when they perform at the Gazebo Concert in Dexter’s Monument Park on June 15.
The DCO is currently accepting applications for the music director position. Details are available at http://dextercommunityorchestra.org/newconductor.html.
The search committee will select three finalists from the applications received. Each finalist will conduct one of the DCO concerts next season. The final selection of a music director is expected May/June 2019.
