Double the excitement as Preu and Nakahara extend contracts

Spokane – The exciting and artistic excellence of the Spokane Symphony’s leadership was reinforced today as Executive Director Brenda Nienhouse announced that Music Director Eckart Preu and Resident Conductor Morihiko Nakahara have both signed contract extensions. 

Music Director Preu’s contract is extended through the 2015-16 season. Resident Conductor Nakahara has extended his contract for two more years through the 2013-14 season. 

“These contract extensions make an important statement about this wonderful orchestra and about its role in this community. Ensuring that this strong leadership team remains on the podium is very important to the future of the orchestra and the arts in Spokane. Under the leadership of these two outstanding conductors, the Spokane Symphony will continue as a vital cultural, economic and educational asset for the region,” said Nienhouse.

Preu was selected from more than 200 candidates and began his tenure as Music Director in September 2004. He was previously assistant music director of the Richmond (Va.) Symphony. In addition to being Music Director of the Spokane Symphony, he is Music Director of the Stanford (Ct.) Symphony. He makes his home in Spokane where he lives with his wife, Neeley, and two daughters, Sophia and Victoria. 

As Music Director, Preu is the primary conductor and is responsible for the overall artistic planning for the Spokane Symphony. 

Nakahara came to the Spokane Symphony as assistant conductor in 2002. He was also Music Director of the Holland (Mich.) Symphony. In 2008, Nakahara was named Spokane Symphony’s Resident Conductor. At about the same time, he was selected to serve as Music Director of the South Carolina Philharmonic in Columbia, South Carolina. 

As Resident Conductor, Nakahara is the primary conductor for the SuperPops series and conducts many of the education concerts.