By Kevin Zimmerman
After eight years at the podium, Queens Symphony Orchestra Music Director Constantine Kitsopoulos has announced his resignation, effective immediately.
“He feels that he cannot give the time that the Queens Symphony Orchestra deserves,” said Daniel DeLoma, general manager.
Kitsopoulos has been juggling his duties in Queens with other commitments, including conducting Broadway orchestras, leading Indiana University’s opera productions and acting as artistic director of the OK Mozart Festival in Oklahoma.
“During his tenure, Constantine was always ready to step up for the QSO,” said Tania Broschart, president of the board. “Even as his own career soared, he made the QSO a priority.”
He is only the third music director since David Katz — Borough President Melinda Katz’ father — formed the group in 1953. Kitsopoulos assumed the role in September 2006 after the second music director, Arthur Fagen, stepped down.
While running the show, Kitsopoulos created or reintroduced programs such as pre-concert lectures, the Young Soloists competition and the family-friendly musical demonstration series Symphony 101.
“He helped shape the legacy of the QSO as a leader by diversifying programming to reflect the range of the QSO constituents,” said Broschart. “We are proud to be able to build upon all that he achieved.”
DeLoma said the work of finding a new director will begin this week with the formation of a search committee.
Besides DeLoma, that group will include QSO board members and musicians from the symphony. Queens residents may also play a part in the committee, said DeLoma.
Reach News Editor Kevin Zimmerman by e-mail at kzimmerman@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4541.
