Conductor History

Jan De Jong, a talented pianist and occasional member of the orchestra, became the next music director of the Monterey Symphony. His appointment coincided with the hiring of Michael Rosenker as concertmaster. Rosenker had just retired from the New York Philharmonic. A great schism quickly took place between the two artistic leaders. The board of directors attempted to mediate the dispute, but ultimately decided that the best solution was to release both men from their obligations with the orchestra and search for new artistic leadership.