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William Boughton
William Boughton, who began his tenure as music director of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra five years ago, will remain in that position at least through the 2016 – 2017 season, the organization has announced.
“Boughton joined the NHSO during the 2007 – 2008 season after a 25 year tenure with the English Symphony Orchestra which he founded,” according to a press release issued by the organization on Friday.
Among the organization’s most significant accomplishments under Boughton was the release in 2010 of the orchestra’s first commercial recording in 30 years, a collection of works by William Walton.
The NHSO’s press release points out that “Gramophone magazine named the NHSO’s Walton recording a ‘Critic’s Choice.’”
In 2011, as the New Haven Independent reported, the organization was “recognized by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) and the League of American Orchestras for its dedication to new music. … the New Haven Symphony was last recognized by ASCAP with an ‘Adventurous Programming’ award three decades ago.”
The orchestra’s press release indicates that “a new contract naming Boughton music director for five additional years, through the 2016 – 2017 season, will be signed on June 12, 2012.”
Burton Alter, president of the organization’s Board of Directors, was quoted in the press release as saying, “The entire NHSO family is thrilled that this world-renowned talent will be with us for five more seasons. We have seen tremendous growth on stage since his arrival and look forward to continued artistic excellence in the years to come.”