The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra opened its 2017-18 season on October 7th with a concert conducted by Music Director finalist Yuga Cohler. The triumphant performance yielded standing ovations and left patrons eager for the naming of the new Music Director in January 2018. Mr. Cohler is one of four finalists for the position.
Mr. Cohler was one of nearly 300 applicants to compete in the Arturo Toscanini International Conducting Competition, held every three years in Parma, Italy. Conductors from 34 countries were considered by the selection committee, and the original field was narrowed to twelve and then to the final four in late May. Maestro Cohler was the only American to make the cut for both preliminary and final rounds. The final concerts of the competition were held this past weekend and Mr. Cohler was awarded the prestigious Paolo Vero Orchestra Prize - awarded by the orchestra members performing in the competition! He receives a monetary prize and the honor of returning to Parma in March 2018 to conduct the Filharmonica Toscanini in the concert commemorating the 150th anniversary of Toscanini's birth.
The RSO congratulates Mr. Cohler and is thrilled to have a conductor of his caliber and international reputation as a finalist to head Ridgefield's own professional orchestra. Bravo Maestro!
R