WSO's Alexander Mickelthwate Will Make His Departure from Winnipeg at the End of the 2017-18 Season

At a special holiday Monday meeting of board, staff and musicians, President of the Board of Directors of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Terry Sargeant, announced that the Oklahoma City Philharmonic has named Alexander Mickelthwate as their new Music Director, effective for the 2018-19 season. And this upcoming WSO season will be the Maestro's last in Winnipeg. Mr. Sargeant was Michael Wolch's guest on Morning Light Tuesday morning to tell us more. Missed the intervew? Watch the video here!

Alexander Mickelthwate has been the Music Director of the WSO since 2006. At the end of the 2017-18 season, he will have been our Music Director for 12 seasons, which makes Alexander and Bramwell Tovey the two longest serving Music Directors in WSO history.

In a press release sent out Monday evening, Music Director Alexander Mickelthwate says he is grateful for his years in our city.

"I will continue to think of myself as part of the WSO family for years to come. Yes, we have raised two hockey playing Canadian boys."

In his years with the WSO, Maestro Mickelthwate led the development and growth of the WSO's renowned New Music Festival. He has been actively engaged in connecting the orchestra with the community in many new and enhanced ways. He was instrumental in the creation and growth of the Sistema Winnipeg program, a social change program for children built on intensive music training. And, in 2014, he was at the helm of the WSO's performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

"In his years with the WSO, he has become a much-admired leader in the broader arts scene in Winnipeg and has made many friends throughout our community," said President Terry Sargeant. "We look forward to next season, the WSO's 70th anniversary season and Alexander's last as Music Director. Throughout the season, we will celebrate Alexander's years with the WSO, while highlighting many of his contributions to our orchestra and community."

Morning Light host Michael Wolch sat down with WSO Board President Terry Sargeant Tuesday morning. Watch the interview below.