On Tuesday, the San Juan Symphony extended Thomas Heuser’s contract as music director for another five years. The 39th season of concerts, recitals, special events and family programming will begin in mid-October. It will be Heuser’s ninth year as head of the organization.
“Serving as music director of the San Juan Symphony is a wonderful honor and pleasure,” Heuser said. “We are building so much energy and momentum right now. Over the next five seasons, my hope is to continue providing exceptional performances that inspire our audiences and to increase our focus on education programming.”
In addition to the four major full-orchestra concerts, the organization also mounts a Chamber Music Series running throughout the year. The Durango Bach Festival takes place every March. The San Juan Symphony Youth Orchestra gives two performances per year. The SJS Chamber Singers perform several times a year. And special programs like The Nutcracker Ballet and The Majesty of Christmas run in December. Ongoing educational programs such as the Durango Chamber Music Academy and the Piano Academy take place in the summer at Fort Lewis College with regular afternoon concerts.
In 2015, Heuser auditioned for the leadership. He was one of three finalists and the hands-down choice to become music director. No one knew COVID-19 was coming, but Heuser navigated the difficult times with creative programming, new venues and other innovative ways to steer the organization through uncertainty.
The 39th season, “Radiant Echoes,” begins with a concert pair Oct. 12 and 13 at the Community Concert Hall at FLC in Durango and Farmington’s Henderson Performance Hall. Titled “Modern Classical Style,” the concerts will feature Mendelssohn’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream: Overture,” Stravinsky’s “Pulcinella: Suite (1922)” and Mozart’s Symphony No. 39.
If you arrive an hour ahead of time, you can listen to Heuser’s engaging preconcert lectures. You can catch an extended version on the Wednesday evenings before the concert weekends. In Durango, Heuser’s lectures take place at The Powerhouse Science Center where light snacks are provided along with a cash bar.
“I’m delighted that the Symphony has extended my tenure as music director through 2029,” Heuser said. “I am beyond grateful for the support of our donors and sponsors. I am continually inspired by our dedicated musicians. My family and I are delighted to call Durango home.”
Consult the website for all information about concerts, lectures, special events and tickets at www.sanjuansymphony.org or 382-9753.
Judith Reynolds is an arts journalist and member of the American Theatre Critics Association.
