David Itkin, the music director and conductor of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, will lead the Las Vegas Philharmonic begining July 1.
According to an ASO press release today, Itkin’s first concert will be a July 4th “Star Spangled Spectacular” at Hills Park in Summerlin.
“This is a very exciting new opportunity in a fast-growing city with a unique entertainment environment,” said Itkin in the press release. “I’m looking forward to the new challenges that it will present.”
Itkin will continue his position as music director of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, which he has led since 1993, and the Abilene (Texas) Philharmonic, where his tenure began in 2005.
More from the ASO release:
As to the increased work load, Itkin says it’s “not at all uncommon for an American conductor to have three orchestras especially if one or more has relatively short seasons as Abilene and Las Vegas do.”
The Las Vegas Philharmonic received more than 250 applicants for the position, now ending a selection process that took almost two years.
Concerning his future with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Itkin stated, “I’ve spent a lot of time putting together the ASO’s 2007-08 season and am looking well beyond. That continues to be the major portion of my musical efforts.”