Pittsburgh Symphony names new music director

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has selected Manfred Honeck as its new music director, replacing three conductors who had shared the role.
Honeck, who lives in his native Austria with his wife and six children, was music director of the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra from 2000 to 2006. His three-year contract with the Pittsburgh Symphony will begin in September 2008, with eight weeks of conducting in the first season and 10 weeks in subsequent seasons.
He takes over the role from artistic adviser Andrew Davis, principal guest conductor Yan Pascal Tortelier and guest conductor Marek Janowski, who had shared the role since Music Director Mariss Jansons left in 2004.
"From our three respected conductor colleagues, we have gained a great deal, and our orchestra has remained vibrant, secure and committed to excellence," symphony President and Chief Executive Larry Tamburri said in a statement Wednesday. "In taking our time to assess the needs of the PSO, we have concluded that a strong, central leader is important to enhancing the artistic excellence of this orchestra."
Honeck said in a statement that he is looking forward to his new role. Future tours for the symphony are already planned, including a return to Vienna's Musikverein in 2010.
Honeck, 48, began his career with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in 1983, first as a violinist and then a violist. He is music director designate of the Staatsoper Stuttgart and principal guest conductor of the Czech Philharmonic.
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