ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, April 22, 1996 TAG: 9604230048
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
AFTER ALMOST a week of news leaks and nondenials that fell just short of actual confirmation, the announcement Friday that David Wiley, 30, will be the new conductor of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra was hardly a surprise. But it was most welcome.
This has been a fun season for symphony-goers able to anticipate the thrill of the unexpected, and to enjoy the differences in musical style and taste among five highly qualified finalists competing for the RSO baton. (Tonight's season-concluding concert will be conducted by Jeff Sandborg, director of the Roanoke Valley Choral Society.)
The competition engendered a sense of excitement for each new performance. Symphonies, experiencing declining attendance nationwide, would do well to match such excitement in more ordinary seasons.
Under Wiley's leadership, Roanoke's orchestra may do just that. His high-energy style won bravos from an enthusiastic audience when he appeared as guest conductor in October. Nor did his winning ways begin and end with the performance. He showed skill in dealing with the orchestra's volunteers and with the media, both important to cultivating the community awareness and support needed to continue the growth begun under Wiley's predecessor, Victoria Bond.
Under Bond, the RSO developed into a fine regional orchestra, artistically and in terms of community support, that is far above the norm for a metro area of the Roanoke Valley's size. Wiley seems an excellent choice to build on the strong base he inherits.
The only notable question mark has been his decision to retain his position as assistant conductor for the Minnesota Orchestra. The Roanoke symphony will, of course, want the benefit of the greater part of Wiley's professional energies. The surest path to cultivating public support is to be truly of Roanoke, a part of the community rather than a commuter skipping in for quick appearances.
Wiley, fortunately, appears to appreciate the point. He and his wife plan to buy a home here; his parents live in Floyd County. Telling also is his stated desire to join a softball team.
He'll find there's no shortage of softball teams in the valley. It was short one conductor, though. Happily, that's been taken care of.
LENGTH: Short : 46 linesby CNB