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CBSO leader quits after 'rift' with conductor
Oct 28 2003
Terry Grimley, Birmingham Post
The leader of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra has resigned after falling out with its music director and conductor, Sakari Oramo.
A statement issued by the orchestra yesterday said only that Peter Thomas, leader of the CBSO since 1988, was leaving at the end of March to pursue new musical directions.
But insiders have told The Birmingham Post that disagreements over artistic matters have led to a breakdown in his relationship with the orchestra's Finnish conductor.
Regular CBSO concertgoers will have noticed the two men have not appeared on stage together for months. At recent concerts conducted by Mr Oramo, the orchestra has been led by co-leader Jacqueline Hartley.
Ironically, Mr Thomas flew to Europe in 1997 with former chief executive Edward Smith to persuade an initially hesitant Mr Oramo to replace Sir Simon Rattle in Birmingham.
The orchestra declined to comment yesterday on reports of a rift between its leader and music director.
A statement from Sakari Oramo said: "I have had the privilege of working with Peter since my very first visit to Birmingham in 1995, and his vast experience as a musician has been of great support to me in my first five years as music director."
Mr Thomas, who founded and runs the Birmingham Ensemble, which gives concerts at the Barber Institute, is planning to concentrate on chamber music, work with student orchestras and other projects.
He said: "I have been privileged to have been part of the fantastic artistic endeavour that is contained within all of the CBSO's activities. I will follow their path with keen interest and affection, and thank all the players and staff who have given me and my family so much support both professionally and personally."
CBSO chief executive Stephen Maddock said: "As leader of the orchestra, Peter Thomas has been a tremendously important part of the CBSO team, and he has enjoyed a strong relationship with our loyal audiences."
