Brooke Creswell To Step Down After 2008-08 YSO Season

Yakima Symphony Orchestra music director Brooke Creswell, the man behind the baton for more than 40 years, announced this week that he will be stepping down from the podium after the YSO’s 2008-09 season, which begins Oct. 11.

However, Creswell will serve as artistic director for the 2009-10 season.

“On the podium (that season),” he explained during a phone interview Friday, “will be the finalist candidates to succeed me.”

The search for that successor, who will take over the following season, will begin immediately. A search committee of community, YSO board and orchestra members will work with consultant Donald Thulean of Seattle to select three or four finalists.

Thulean expects more than 100 applications from around the world for the position.

Creswell, 65, said there are a number reasons the YSO is attractive to applicants: its relationship to the Conservatorio de las Rosas in Morelia, Michoácan; the recently established Yakima Chamber Orchestra; and the annual partnership with the Seattle Opera’s Young Artists Program.

“Artistically, it’s a very healthy organization,” said Creswell, who cites the quality with which the orchestra plays, and the organization built around it, as two of the things he’s most proud of.

Creswell was the founding conductor of the Yakima Chamber Orchestra in 1967. It became the Yakima Symphony Orchestra in the 1971-72 season.

His decision to step down is simply the belief in new blood.

“Yakima is poised for a huge reinvention,” Creswell said. “It’s exactly the time for the symphony to have new leadership and vision.”

For information on the YSO’s upcoming season — which includes guest performances by the Finisterra Piano Trio and Yakima’s own Kyle MacLachlan — call the symphony office at 248-1414, or visit www.yakimasymphony.org.