Our search for a new Music Director began with selecting a

Search Committee of five Board members and

five CCO musicians. Beginning in October 2006,

we followed the procedure suggested by the American Symphony

Orchestra League (ASOL), developing a Position

Description, a Music Director Profile, and a vacancy announcement.

These items appeared on the ASOL web site in January 2007.

By early March we had received over 150 applications

including resumes, reviews, recommendations and

DVD recordings of the candidates at work. Through a

challenging screening process extending over several weeks,

the flood of applications was sifted down to ten by April 6.

Each of the ten “semi-finalists” was interviewed through

speakerphone calls with the Committee.

The “final four” were selected and contacted early in May,

with the selections announced in time for the

first mailing for the 2007/08 season.

Each candidate will conduct one of the four regularly-scheduled

Orchestral Concerts in the present season, playing

programs assembled by a committee of CCO musicians.

After each performance, reactions and impressions will be solicited

from members of the Orchestra and the audience.

As soon as possible, following our May 10, 2008 concert, the

Search Committee will submit their selection to the

Board of Directors for approval. The Board will offer a

contract to the candidate, and we expect to announce

the CCO’s eighth Music Director to the public in mid-May.

The process is detailed and demanding. One of its most

joyful aspects is exposure to an amazing group of superbly

talented young conductors among the many applicants.

The future of orchestral music in America is obviously in good hands.

Cullie Mowers
Convener,

CCO Music Director Search Committee