Now that the delay-plagued search for a musical director has been concluded with the selection of Alondra de la Parra, the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra is changing the face of its administrative leadership too.
Former General Manager Roberto Torres, who was sharply criticized in the press for his handling of the search for the new artistic director, is stepping aside for Arturo Gómez, who will take over during the next few days.
Torres will retain some duties in promotion and administration of the orchestra, said spokeswoman Julia Gonzalez, but he has been asked by Jalisco Secretary of Culture Alejandro Cravioto to devote himself heavily to his leadership of the scholastic department at the Instituto Cultural Cabañas, his replacement Gómez noted. At the Cabañas, Torres is developing a program to award licenciaturas (bachelor’s degrees) to students of music, dance, and other fine and visual arts.Gómez, age 43, is from Guadalajara and comes from a music and business background.
“I collaborated with the orchestra on co-productions, such as Monteverdi opera ‘Orfeo’ in 2007 and the Wagner Gala in 2010,” he said, adding that he has been involved in a private, musical promotion group named Lira de Orfeo, A.C. In his new post at the orchestra, he will be focusing on a big project to seek Mexican and foreign patrons for the orchestra.
“The state government has a budget for the orchestra but we need other resources in order to attract better invited artists and raise the artistic level of the orchestra.”
Gómez’s business background is in tiles and flooring. He said that he has long been in touch with the foreign community in the Chapala area and appreciates their past support of the orchestra.
“How nice that so many foreign visitors come to the Degollado,” he said. “I want to continue to be in touch with the people in Chapala who are arts supporters.”
The orchestra begins its fall season on October 20. Alondra de la Parra will begin conducting again in early November, said Julia Gonzalez.
Orquesta Filharmonica de Jalisco administrative offices, (33)3030-9772, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.ofj.com.mx.