Photo by Raffaella Loro, http://www.flickr.com/photos/raffaella/3891249297When people talk about Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Maestro Bob Bernhardt’s last day as Music Director, they almost always say: “He’s not leaving, you know, he’s staying here.”
It’s true. Bernhardt is sticking to Chattanooga like honey on a bun. He will conduct the CSO – including “Dark Side of the Moon” at Riverbend this summer, lend his skills to the Lee University orchestra in Cleveland this month and guide the CSO, as always, at the CSO Guild’s fundraising gala in May.
So why the special concerts “Bob’s Favorite Things” on April 2 and Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 on April 7 and 8? Why does CSO Board President Susan Rich jokingly refer to his farewell soiree at the Tivoli Center as the “how can we miss you when you won’t go away” party?
Because, on June 1, Bernhardt goes 4G. After nearly two decades of conducting, coaching and public speaking, the CSO’s second-ever Music Director becomes its first-ever Music Director Emeritus.
“I’ve had an absolutely spectacular run – I’ve had the time of my life,” says Bernhardt. “I love the orchestra. I love the staff. I love the town. But there comes a time when every organization can use a kick in the pants.”