Edward Smith, the man who took the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra to international acclaim in partnership with Simon Rattle, has taken on a new challenge in Sweden.
Mr. Smith, who was chief executive of the CBSO from 1978 until 2000, will become managing and artistic director of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra on July 1.
The GSO has one of the most distinguished traditions in Scandinavia and is officially designated the National Orchestra of Sweden, despite being based in the country's second city.
Mr. Smith began his career as an assistant administrator at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, where he first met Simon Rattle. During 18 years together they built the CBSO into one of the world's most exciting and admired orchestras. After Rattle left in 1998 Mr. Smith secured his replacement, Sakari Oramo, before moving on himself.
However, his first post-CBSO appointment, at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, proved shortlived. GSO chairman Ingela Bergendahl said: 'The board was quite unanimous in its decision ó Edward Smith was without doubt the best candidate for the job. With his wide international experience, he will be an invaluable asset to the GSO.'
Mr. Smith said his ambition was to make Gothenburg the most attractive environment for musicians in Scandinavia and a place where the best conductors and soloists want to come.
(C) 2004 Birmingham Post. via ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved