With the abrupt exit of Alondra de La Parra after only 10 months as artistic director of the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra, and the imminent installation of new state politicians to control the orchestra, changes are whizzing around as fast as the jet that took the acclaimed young director to Europe the day after she stepped down last week.
Of course, De La Parra’s fetching image was quickly retired from atop the orchestra’s Web page. And, although the orchestra administration had announced that she would still direct two concerts this season, her name has now been replaced with that of Leslie Dunner.
Dunner is the well-liked, Chicago-based director who was a contender in the long and fruitless three-way selection process in 2010 and 2011 that preceded De La Parra’s naming. (Ironically, that process lasted longer than the short time De La Parra was at the orchestra’s helm.)
Significantly, the first concert Dunner directs this season — Friday, February 15 and Sunday, February 17 — will be an all-Hispanic slate that was designed (by De La Parra) to celebrate the founding of Guadalajara. Such a program may be fortuitous for Dunner if he wants to strut his stuff as a director comfortable with Latino music, since his lack of Latin roots could not have been a factor in his favor in the earlier director race.
Of course, Dunner has directed Hispanic favorites, notably in October, 2011, when he pulled off the opera “Carmen” — an orchestra/dance/vocal extravaganza — to great acclaim in Guadalajara’s bullring during the Panamerican Games.
The February 15 and 17 program includes Moncayo’s “Huapango,” which has been considered something of a Mexico national hymn, a danzón piece and several other works by Latino composers.
Dunner stressed that he is “thrilled to be returning to be guest conductor in Guadalajara.” (He was last here directing a sold out New Year’s Eve concert.)
“This program is important for Guadalajara because it celebrates the founding of the city. It focuses on Mexican nationalism,” he noted.
Besides his concerts in February and March, Dunner is planning social engagements with musicians and other friends while he is here.
Some orchestra musicians are quietly hopeful about a future director and speak positively about Dunner. Principal trumpet player Adrian Griffith, noting that he only speaks for himself, stressed that he hopes for a leader with experience. “It should be a person who is able to bring the best out of the orchestra, no matter the circumstances — someone who who can lead and inspire us.”
As for his views of Dunner, “if he is a contender, I’d like to see more of him. In the past, he’s been very inspirational.”
“We haven’t had a music director since Guzman,” Griffith added wistfully. “It’s been hard. I hope this time, the process will be quick and easy and that we get the best person.”
Dunner also directs a concert of Wagner and Beethoven music Friday, March 8, and Sunday, March 10. Ticket prices: 110–200 pesos. Enrique Bátiz, Manuel López Gómez as well as JPO Director Emeritus Hector Guzmán guest conduct other programs this season. See www.ofj.com.mx.
Teatro Degollado is in Guadalajara’s city center two blocks behind the main cathedral. Information: (33) 3030-9772-75, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Box office: (33) 3614-4773, open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.