Pacific Symphony to Look a Bit Longer for Conductor

The Pacific Symphony will extend its search for a new conductor into the 1990-91 season, according to executive director Louis G. Spisto.

“The key to the process is enabling the orchestra to have the chance to work with a number of guest conductors and, in addition, to provide the community with opportunities to feel a part of the process,” Spisto said Wednesday.

“Next season there will only be three opportunities to engage guest conductors for classical subscription pairs of concerts. Therefore, the board has determined that it will continue the search through the 1989-90 season. “The board is also lining up a principal guest conductor and music adviser to plan next season and to conduct three pairs of subscription concerts,” he said. “Our goal is to have a music director in place for the ‘90-91 season, but probably not sooner.”

The symphony board is expected to announce the name of the guest conductor and music adviser later this month.

The orchestra is seeking a replacement for founding music director Keith Clark, who resigned in February. Clark will continue as principal conductor through the 1988-89 season.