The 3-year extension was announced before the start of the symphony's concert.
Springfield Symphony Orchestra music director Kevin Rhodes signed a new three-year contract Saturday night.SPRINGFIELD – Kevin Rhodes inked a new contract tonight that keeps him at the helm of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra for the next three years.
The three-year extension was announced before the start of the symphony’s concert, which also marked Rhodes’ 10th year as its music director and his 30th year as a conductor.
Trustees president Thomas R. Creed made the announcement.
“On behalf of my fellow trustees, I am thrilled to see Kevin extend his stay for three more years as music director. His energy, love of his craft, and commitment to our orchestra’s mission inspires our musicians, audiences and donors alike,” Creed said. “Our best years are ahead of us with Kevin leading the way.”
Details of the pact were not revealed. However, recent federal tax filings by the SSO show Rhodes receives a compensation package which totals more than $104,000 annually.
In addition to his work in Springfield, Rhodes is also musical director of the Traverse City Orchestra in Michigan and director of the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra in Boston. Prior to coming to Springfield, he conducted in Europe, where he led the Vienna State Opera and conducted the Paris Opera and La Scala in Milan.
Earlier this year, Rhodes was a finalist to lead the Hartford Symphony Orchestra – a position he publicly maintained he would not accept if it precluded remaining with the Springfield Symphony.
Rhodes, who has often spoken of his fondness for the SSO and the community, said he is honored trustees chose to extend his contract.
“This position is my all-career favorite, and my wife Jane and I are thrilled to be transplanted New Englanders and Westfield residents,” he said. “We both feel home here in Massachusetts.”
The 46-year-old maestro said he and the SSO have grown together over the past 10 years.
“I feel that in so many ways we have really begun to hit our stride in terms of understanding, trust and musical development,” Rhodes said. “We are now ready to begin taking our musical journey to some exciting new places that orchestras, conductors and audiences rarely get to go in a community our size.”
As music director, Rhodes selects the music for the season, puts together each concert program, chooses a guest artists and conducts the SSO in its performances.
Rhodes is also the “public face” of the symphony and its ambassador to the community. He is active in community outreach, speaking at area universities, public and private schools, and civic organizations, said SSO executive director Michael Jonnes.
Jonnes said he is thrilled that Rhodes will continue to lead the orchestra.
“The music-making partnership between maestro Rhodes and our musicians has been superb and our audiences have been the delighted recipients of this bounty. We look forward to three more wonderful years of making great music with Kevin,” he said.