POSTED Monday, April 19, 2010 — As a result of the ash cloud from the recent volcano eruption in Iceland that has mandated closures of virtually all European airports and cancellations of flights, the Charlotte Symphony (CSO) announced today that Christof Perick is unable to travel to Charlotte to rehearse and conduct his final concerts as Music Director on April 22, 23 and 24.
Stefan Sanderling, Music Director of the Florida Orchestra, has been engaged as Mr. Perick’s replacement. All performances of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony will take place as scheduled.
Maestro Perick was scheduled to begin rehearsals with the orchestra Tuesday morning, April 20.
“It is extremely regrettable that Christof cannot be with us for the season-ending performances”, states Jonathan Martin, Charlotte Symphony President and Executive Director. “Together, we have been constantly exploring any and all options, but it became clear this morning that there would be no way for Christof to get to Charlotte in time to prepare and conduct this week’s concerts.”
Conductor Stefan Sanderling will begin rehearsals with the orchestra as scheduled on Tuesday morning. Mr. Sanderling most recently conducted the CSO in February 2008.