Conductor History

The Association then hired John Gosling to become its next music director and the orchestra once again embarked on an ambitious growth plan. The season expanded to five subscription concerts. Gosling engaged such prominent soloists as mezzo-sopranos Claudine Carlson and Nan Merriman, and pianist Rudolph Firkushny. Gosling expanded the repertoire by including works by living composers: Norman Dello Joio's The Triumph of Saint Joan, Howard Hanson's Symphony No.2 "Romantic," Honegger's King David, and the world premiere of John Cage's Suite for Toy Piano, orchestrated by Santa Cruz-based composer Lou Harrison. A true orchestra builder, John Gosling captivated local supporters and grew the audience in remarkable ways. He also created, conducted, and championed a Youth Orchestra and the Monterey Peninsula Choral Society. While living here, Gosling created the Bear Valley Music Festival in the High Sierras. He remained with the orchestra from 1961 to 1967 when he became music director of the Erie Philharmonic.