Spotlight: Symphony extends Preu, Nakahara’s contracts

Jan 29, 2012

Author: Carolyn Lamberson

Source: The Spokesman Review

It looks like Eckart Preu and Morihiko Nakahara are sticking around.

The Spokane Symphony on Wednesday announced it had reached contract agreements with Preu, the music director, and Nakahara, the resident conductor. Preu’s contract will keep him with the symphony through the 2015-’16 season; Nakahara’s contract extension is good through 2013-’14.

“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,” said Executive Director Brenda Nienhouse in a news release.

Preu began his tenure in September 2004. As music director, Preu is the symphony’s primary conductor and is responsible for the overall artistic planning. He lives in Spokane with his wife, Neeley, and daughters, Sophia and Victoria.

Nakahara came to Spokane in 2002 as assistant conductor. In 2008, he became resident conductor, taking primary conducting duties for the SuperPops series as well as many of the education concerts.