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Chattanooga: Bernhardt to leave CSO posts

By: Barry Courter
(Contact)

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Bob Bernhardt

The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera board of directors on Thursday unanimously accepted a proposal by Robert Bernhardt that would allow him to resign his positions as music director and conductor in 2011, according to CSO Executive Director Molly Sasse.

The proposal also calls for Mr. Bernhardt to be named conductor emeritus and artistic director of opera, Ms. Sasse said.

Mr. Bernhardt joined the CSO in 1992 as conductor designate and became its full-time music director and conductor the next year. Fifteen years as conductor/director are about double the standard length of time for someone to hold the position, he said.

The move allows the CSO board the time to find a replacement and allows Mr. Bernhardt and his wife, Nora, to remain in Chattanooga and be a part of the organization, according to Mr. Bernhardt.

“Living and working here in Chattanooga has been a personal and professional joy,” he said. “It is my sincerest hope that this plan, which calls for new artistic leadership at an appropriate time, allows my wife Nora and me to continue to work and live in a community we love.”

Board member Spencer McCallie III will serve as chairman of the CSO search committee, according to a news release. He said the plan gives the committee some stability and continuity as it searches for a new music director/conductor.

“We are fortunate to have (Mr. Bernhardt) remain for the next three years, providing artistic leadership and continuity as we search for his replacement in 2009 and 2010,” Mr. McCallie said. “His new position will continue the success we enjoy and serve as a foundation for the future.”

According to the plan, the CSO will audition candidates for its music director as guest conductors during performances in the Masterworks Series, hoping to find a permanent replacement for the start of the 2011-12 season.

When that happens, Mr. Bernhardt will continue to prepare, cast and conduct opera productions, in addition to conducting a few symphonic concerts each year, officials said.

The complete details of the plan, which would take effect June 1, 2011, and Mr. Bernhardt’s new contract, including his salary, have not been finalized. He now makes $127,000 a year, officials said.

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