GREENVILLE Board conducts a search

The list of eleven applicants has been whittled down to three in the search process.
By LAURI GALENTINE
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
GREENVILLE, Pa. -- The process of choosing a new conductor for the Greenville Symphony Orchestra is almost over.
Max Simunich, president the orchestra's board of directors, said the successful candidate will be notified by May 11.
The process of replacing Dr. Paul Chenevey, who retired last year after 16 years with the orchestra, has been a long one, Simunich said.
Directors started last year with 11 applicants, narrowed the list to six and invited them to be interviewed by the search committee.
The list was then reduced to three names, all of whom are involved with the music departments at their respective colleges, and all of whom are "very well qualified," said Simunich.
Finalists are Michael Gelfand of Youngstown State University, Dr. Richard Konzen of Grove City College and R. Tad Greig of Westminster College, New Wilmington.
Guest conductors: Each was given an opportunity to appear as a guest conductor for one of three subscription concerts that the orchestra performs each year, according to Simunich.
The orchestra, which shares musicians with Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, Warren Philharmonic and Erie Chamber Orchestra, performs four concerts each year: one for elementary school students and three for orchestra supporters, he said.
Gelfand was guest conductor last fall, and Konzen appeared at the orchestra's winter concert, Simunich said. Greig will conduct the spring concert, at 8 p.m. April 27.
At each concert, orchestra members and the audience are asked to evaluate the guest conductor and write their comments on a form to be passed along to the search committee.
"We've had a lot of response to that," Simunich said. "They've made some very good comments."
The orchestra, in its 73rd season of performing at the Passavant Center at Thiel College, features 75 to 80 musicians, many of whom travel from out of state to participate, Simunich said.
The orchestra has changed some over the years, according to Simunich: "We are playing music of a more popular nature now." He said the April 27 concert will feature marches, waltzes and show tunes.
Afterward, Simunich added, the search committee will choose Cheveney's successor.