by Natasha Khairullah
Staff Writer
The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra announced last Thursday that the Jacksonville Symphony Association (JSA) and Music Director, Principal Conductor for the JSO Fabio Mechetti together, signed a three year contract extension that will lengthen Mechetti’s tenure until June of 2010. Mechetti’s contract was set to expire in May at the end of the current concert season.
Gerald Pollack, Chairman of the JSA, said in a recent public statement that the decision to extend the contract illustrates both parties’ commitment to the cultural landscape of the greater Jacksonville community and their desire to continue building upon the JSO’s tradition of excellence.
“The nucleus of our musical program is Fabio Mechetti and the direction he gives to the symphony as Music Director and Principal Conductor,” said Pollack. “Without such an asset, we cannot exist ... His agreeing to extend his contract is a critical element to our crafting a successful plan.”
Mechetti has served as music director and principal conductor of the JSO since 1999. Prior to that, he led the Syracuse Symphony for 10 seasons, beginning as associate conductor in 1989 and then becoming music director in 1993. He has also appeared as guest conductor with the Seattle Symphony, Pacific Symphony Orchestra and the Rochester Philharmonic as well as a number of orchestras throughout South and Central America.
“I am thankful for the support I have received and grateful for the artistic excellence that our musicians bring to the development of this orchestra,” said Mechetti. “Much has been accomplished and much has yet to happen.”
As the JSO reaches its 10th anniversary of the opening of Jacoby Symphony Hall, Pollack credits Mechetti largely for the success of much of the decade.
Pollack added that during Mechetti’s tenure, the JSO has reached a number of milestones, including producing six fully-staged annual grand operas and establishing the biennial Fresh Ink Florida Composers’ Competition.
To commemorate the anniversary, Mechetti will conduct Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection” on April 19 and then make a post-show toast after the concert in the Davis Gallery.Two commemorative concerts will also take place April 20 and 21.