It was probably inevitable–the career pressure on brilliantly talented classical musicians cannot be underestimated. The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s concertmaster, Gabriel Lefkowitz, has announced that he will be leaving the KSO for the comparable position with the Louisville Orchestra. While I’ll have more comments on this later, here is the KSO’s press release:
The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s Concertmaster, Gabriel Lefkowitz, will conclude his tenure following the 2016-17 season. He has accepted the Concertmaster position with the Louisville Orchestra effective Fall 2016.
As Gabriel Lefkowitz enters his sixth and final season as KSO Concertmaster, he will perform as featured soloist in March 2017 on the Moxley Carmichael Masterworks Series held at the Tennessee Theatre: Brahms’ Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D Major, Op. 77. He will also perform three pair of concerts on the Merchant & Gould Concertmaster Series: Gabriel Lefkowitz & Friends held at the Knoxville Museum of Art. The KSO will hold auditions this season for the next Concertmaster.
“It is with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and love for the Knoxville community that I make the 2016-2017 season my last as Concertmaster of the KSO,” said Gabriel Lefkowitz. “This incredible organization, its staff, musicians, and supporters have been my family since 2011 and I feel a deep sense of pride in the music we’ve made together for the past 5 years. I look to the future of the KSO with the utmost optimism and excitement, especially with Aram at the helm. What KSO has in Aram is an excellent musician with the intellect, personality, and work ethic to build upon an incredible foundation already in place, and lead the organization to ever greater heights. This upcoming season will be one of the most exciting ever for the KSO and I am excited for its many highlights, including the KSO Concertmaster Series, Gabriel Lefkowitz and Friends–which I hope will enjoy its best year ever!”
