Britt Festivals today announced that Teddy Abrams has been selected as the new ÀÏ·ò×Ó´«Ã½ Director and Conductor of the Classical Festival in Jacksonville, Oregon.
Abrams was chosen after an extensive search that drew 130 applicants from across the U.S. and Europe. He spent a week in resident at Britt this past summer, leading the orchestra in two concerts. Donna Briggs, Britt Festivals' President and CEO said, "This was not an easy decision. There were many, many, many stakeholders involved. When I sat in Teddy's concerts, there was just such power and excitement coming from the stage and from the audience... I just couldn't be more thrilled."
In addition to his new position with Britt, Abrams is currently the Assistant ÀÏ·ò×Ó´«Ã½ Director of the Detroit Symphony, and the Assistant Conductor of the Sun Valley Summer Symphony. He succeeds Peter Bay, who stepped down following the 2012 season, after twenty years at the podium.
Abrams has already started preparing the repertoire for Britt's 2014 classical season, which will be announced on Tuesday, January 21st.