Cumming to Leave After Pacific Contract Expires

Pacific Symphony assistant conductor Edward Cumming will end his three-year stint in that position after the orchestra’s current season.

Cumming’s remaining duties include family concerts Saturday at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa and performances with the Pacific Symphony Institute Orchestra on May 18 and 19 at Cal State Fullerton’s Performing Arts Complex.

Since he was hired in 1993, Cumming, an Oakland native, has led the orchestra’s family concerts; conducted the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra (based at the Orange County High School of the Arts in Los Alamitos); served as music director of the Institute; and taught conducting and music appreciation at Cal State Fullerton. He was given a two-year contract, which was extended for a third year.

The search for a replacement is underway and should conclude by Aug. 1, according to a Pacific Symphony spokeswoman. Cumming has not said what he plans to do next.

“This is a natural progression,” said the Pacific’s executive director, Louis Spisto. “Typically our assistant conductors do not hold contracts longer than three seasons. Ed has done a terrific job, especially in the development of the Institute Orchestra.”