Bruce Ridge becomes longest serving ICSOM Chair; elected to 5th term
At the annual meeting of the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM), delegates from America’s largest 52 orchestras re-elected Bruce Ridge of the North Carolina Symphony to a fifth term as Chairman of the organization that represents over 4000 orchestral musicians.
Ridge now becomes the longest serving chairman in the history of ICSOM, an organization that has elevated symphony orchestras and the arts in America and internationally for the past 52 years.
The annual meeting is a celebration of the many successes for symphonies across the country, most notably the Los Angeles Philharmonic, whose musicians are hosting this year’s conference. While there has been focus in recent years on difficulties in the orchestral world, the true story to be told is that orchestras remain resilient and successful in our nation's communities.
In his opening address to the conference, Ridge commented on the value of music at a time when so many difficulties face people around the globe. “Music remains an inextinguishable light. Where others respond with vitriol, we respond with music.”
The four-day meeting, held in Los Angeles, is also being attended by members of the Regional Orchestra Players’ Association, the Organization of Canadian Symphony Musicians, officials of the American Federation of Musicians, and numerous guests and speakers from across the world.
On his re-election, Ridge said “I am humbled to have this opportunity to serve as chair of this historic organization, whose founders did so much to create an environment of success for our nation's artists. The past eight years have been tumultuous and fascinating, but I have been inspired by every musician I have met around the world. The recent successes for orchestras demonstrate that our positive message of advocacy is being heard along with our music.”
In his upcoming term, Ridge will continue his extensive travels that have led him to meet with musicians across the world, and with musicians, staff and supporters of nearly every major American orchestra.
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The International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) represents over 4000 symphonic musicians in the top 52 orchestras in the United States. ICSOM's key mission is to facilitate communication between all members of the greater musical community and to advocate for the arts in America and beyond. More information can be found at www.icsom.org.
Please contact ICSOM Chair Bruce Ridge at (919) 971-1160, or by writing bruceridge@earthlink.net
Follow ICSOM on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ICSOM
On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ICSOM
ICSOM Chairman Bruce Ridge
(Photo: Eric Arbiter)
