The Firing of Keith Clark by Symphony’s Directors

I am dismayed at the way the Board of Directors of Pacific Symphony conducts its business relationships with its personnel, more specifically the manner in which it fired its founding music director, Keith Clark.

I am a longtime Orange County resident who cares very much about the cultural life of our county. Mr. Clark has for years contributed greatly towards building the local musical scene with his diligence and passionate caring. I cannot say the same for the board, from which I would have expected a similar kind of commitment. Surely, Clark deserves better than to have the board malign his talents and his character though the press. It is unconscionable that the board chose to announce its decision to fire him while he was conducting recording sessions in Czechoslovakia and, therefore, unavailable to respond.

I believe that all of us who are (interested) in the arts would agree on our goals for Orange County, that is to enhance the quality of culture here. I should think that it would be mutually beneficial to all of us for the board to make use of Mr. Clark’s talents and dedication. I urge the board to seriously reconsider its decision.

MITSUYE YAMADA

Irvine