sad day

We learned yesterday that our superb concertmaster of two years, Amy Schwartz Moretti, will be leaving us after the new year to direct a new string center at Mercer University in Georgia. Amy is a treasure, and it’s hard to see her go, as her sparkling playing and personality have been a huge bright light to our orchestra for these past two years. Here are the official details from the press release:

MORETTI TO DIRECT PREMIERE CENTER FOR STRINGS; WILL LEAVE AT THE END OF THE 2006-2007 SEASON

Portland, Ore. … Amy Schwartz Moretti, concertmaster of the Oregon Symphony since 2004, will leave the Symphony at the end of the 2006-2007 season to become the Director and Associate Professor of the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings and to hold the Caroline Paul King Chair in Strings at Mercer University’s Townsend School of Music in Macon, Georgia. A search for her successor will begin shortly.

“This unique and compelling opportunity and my desire to do more chamber music and solo work have convinced me this is the right course to pursue,” said Moretti. “The position will give me direct involvement guiding and teaching gifted string students along with internationally renowned violinist Robert McDuffie and the distinguished visiting artists at the new center. I was not prepared to leave the Portland community so soon and have adored my time with the Oregon Symphony.”

“Amy’s tenure as our concertmaster has simply been fantastic,” said Music Director Carlos Kalmar. “Beyond her brilliant violin playing and leadership within the orchestra, she has developed a strong rapport with our audiences and community.” While the Symphony regrets losing Moretti, said Kalmar, everyone is grateful for what she has brought to the orchestra and community.

“Amy has been a strong partner in forwarding Carlos’ artistic vision for the Oregon Symphony,” said Maria Pope, Oregon Symphony board chair. “Our artistic momentum created under Carlos’ leadership will continue to grow as evidenced by the appointment of three new principal players this season.”

“I want to thank the orchestra, Carlos Kalmar, and the Portland community for embracing me and making me feel so at home here,” said Moretti. “I know that I will always hold in my heart the great music making that is happening with Carlos Kalmar and my Oregon Symphony colleagues.”

Founded in 1833, Mercer University has consistently been ranked among the leading colleges and universities in the South by US News and World Report since 1989. Mercer’s Townsend School of Music offers undergraduate and graduate professional music studies in a comprehensive university environment. The Robert McDuffie Center for Strings at Mercer University will accept its first class in fall 2007. “Amy is quite simply, one of America’s greatest violinists, and one of the most inspirational teachers I have ever seen,” said McDuffie. “I know she has been tortured about leaving the orchestra she loves so much. That is a testament to her character.”