http://calperformances.orgEffective August 10, 2009, Matías Tarnopolsky will assume leadership of the 103-year old Cal Performances, the performing arts presenting, producing and commissioning organization based at the University of California, Berkeley.
"I was immediately struck by the vibrancy of the cultural environment at Berkeley and in the quality and variety of the offerings at Cal Performances. This is a rare phenomenon in the world of the performing arts, and it's what makes Cal Performances a special place," remarked Mr. Tarnopolsky. "Cal Performances' audiences embrace the idea of high-quality, diverse, innovative programming, and they have a great appetite for the exploration and enjoyment of the best that the performing arts have to offer. This is the ideal environment for arts and ideas to flourish. I inherit a remarkable artistic legacy from (outgoing director) Robert Cole; he has set a high bar. I am deeply grateful to Chancellor Birgeneau, Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost George Breslauer, and the members of the Board of Trustees of Cal Performances for granting me this extraordinary opportunity. While my work at the New York Philharmonic has been incredibly gratifying and fulfilling, this is a unique opportunity, and I look forward with great enthusiasm to working with UC Berkeley faculty and students, and to leading Cal Performances in the next phase in its impressive history."
Matías Tarnopolsky, 39, is Vice-President for Artistic Planning at the New York Philharmonic. In this role he has worked extensively with Music Director Lorin Maazel, Music Director Designate Alan Gilbert and other pre-eminent conductors and artists in creating the artistic profile of the New York Philharmonic. From 1999 to 2006, Mr. Tarnopolsky was Director of Programming, and later, Senior Director of Artistic Planning, at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) where he collaborated with Music Director Daniel Barenboim on all aspects of the CSO's programming, and was responsible for Symphony Center Presents, the CSO's prominent presenting series, which programs some 60 piano recitals, visiting orchestra performances, chamber music, contemporary music, and other programs annually. There he also created the CSO's new music series, MusicNOW; brought the West-Eastern (Arab-Israeli) Divan Workshop and Orchestra to Chicago; spearheaded collaborative projects with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Northwestern University and University of Chicago, among others; and he programmed the CSO's training orchestra, the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and led the artistic planning of the CSO's education and community programs. Mr. Tarnopolsky was previously a producer for the BBC Symphony Orchestra and BBC Singers (1997-1999), and has written extensively about music, including material for liner notes, program notes, and articles for magazines and other publications. He received bachelor's and master's degrees in music and musicology, respectively, from the University of London, King's College.
Mr. Tarnopolsky received early training in piano, later studied conducting, and devoted serious instrumental study to the clarinet. He cites attending the Proms concerts as a transformative influence: "Having these amazing concerts as part of my upbringing, and the fact that they were so widely accessible, left an indelible impression. Furthermore, my experience of the rich diversity of cultural offerings of London, in music, dance and theater helped shape my belief in the fundamental importance of the performing arts in our society." Mr. Tarnopolsky has served on boards and juries for numerous national and international musical organizations; was a panelist for the French/American Fund for Contemporary Music (2005-2006); and a Board Member at the American Composers Forum (2003-2004), among other professional appointments. Mr. Tarnopolsky was born in Buenos Aires (Argentina) and raised in London (England). He is married and is the father of two children.
http://www.calperfs.berkeley.edu/director/
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