Elgin Symphony CEO resigns to teach, conduct
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra continues its year of changing leadership with CEO Dale Lonis following music director Robert Hanson and four board members out of the organization.
Lonis started with the symphony in July 2008 and had a contract that ran through June 2013, but told board members last week he planned to resign one year early.
"I have started to accept work as a conductor and teacher beginning in July and did not feel I could continue to focus my attention effectively on my current position beyond that time," Lonis wrote in a letter to ESO staffers, musicians and supporters this week.
Jerry Cain, ESO board chairman and president of Judson University, said Lonis' resignation shows how "in demand" he is throughout the world and proves how talented ESO staff members are.
"More and more people are calling him because he's such a known entity and such a good teacher," Cain said.
Lonis left his position as the executive director of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra to join the ESO. He grew up in the Fox Valley and mentioned his excitement to return home to work with the Elgin group when he was originally hired.
Cain said leaving was entirely Lonis' choice. But he has agreed to remain in place as the CEO through the end of this season and continue to work for the symphony as a consultant through the season that ends in June 2013.
Lonis already has plans to travel to South America, Israel, Australia, China and Canada for teaching and conducting work in coming months, according to a news release from the ESO.
The board of directors will look for someone to fill the CEO role in Lonis' absence for the short-term, and then initiate a wider search for someone more permanent once a music director is selected.
"It would not be wise to be doing two national searches at the same time," Cain said.
A search committee has been looking for Hanson's successor since he resigned in July 2011. Cain said the field of applicants, which spans the globe, has been narrowed to 11 people. Some of the finalists will appear as guest conductors during symphony performances in the coming year.
Lonis is currently out of the country and could not be reached for comment.