The National Repertory Orchestra and music director Carl Topilow have agreed to a new three-year contract to keep the longtime director with the summer music festival through 2022.
Topilow has helped guide the NRO for decades, and the 2019 season will be his 46th with the festival and 42nd year as music director, according to a news release announcing the new contract.
Following the 2022 season, Topilow is expected to become the NRO’s “Music Director Emeritus.” Meanwhile, a search committee is being formed to start looking for his replacement.
“As I look back on my many years with the National Repertory Orchestra, I am most pleased in knowing what our musicians have gained during the eight weeks that they perform with the orchestra,” he said in the release. “This opportunity presents a real taste of what it is to be a member of a full-time professional orchestra. (Musicians) can look back at season’s end with great pride, and often with real amazement, in what they were able to accomplish.
“Whether our musicians win positions with professional orchestras, or become teachers, orchestra administrators, or pursue non-musical professions, it is always my fervent hope that everyone’s NRO experience is a positive one that has far-reaching consequences and rewards.”
Chairman of the board of trustees Rick Poppe said the NRO has been lucky to have Topilow all these years.
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“The NRO has had many changes over the last 60 years, and Carl has been the constant professional bringing certainty and consistency to the organization,” Poppe said. “We are fortunate that Carl has stayed with us and is a full participant in making this change to a new director.”