The Leader of the Band Retires from Orchestra Santa Monica

After 27 years of music-making in Santa Monica, Allen Robert Gross, will be retiring from his current position as Music Director and Conductor of Orchestra Santa Monica.

Following his service as conductor of the Santa Monica Symphony for 21 years, Gross founded Orchestra Santa Monica in 2012 where he has continued to create life-enriching music for musicians and audience members alike.

"It's been an honor and a privilege to make music in Santa Monica for twenty- seven years", says Gross. "I will miss working with the wonderful musicians of OSM. But it's time to cut back on some of my musical activities in order to spend more time on the East Coast where my grandchildren live. I'm sure that OSM will find a fine and committed music director* to take over the reins of this excellent orchestra."

Says OSM President and violinist Cindy Bandel, "Allen's passion, insightfulness, intellect, and high standards for music are just a few of the qualities that make him an extraordinary leader.

"I know I can speak for myself and countless other musicians in saying that it has been an absolute joy to make music with Allen. He's revered by many and with his following, he's really become a musical icon in the area. Allen will be deeply missed but we're also happy that he now has more time to travel and visit with his family."

OSM has two full-orchestra performances remaining this season in which Gross will be conducting, the first on February 18 and the final concert on May 20, 2018. Both concerts are on Sunday afternoons starting at 2:30 in the Moss Theater, located on the campus of New Roads School (3131 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica). The concert program on February 18 will include Haydn's Symphony No. 85, the Hummel Trumpet Concerto featuring Marissa Benedict, and Bizet's Symphony in C Major. For additional details, please visit OSM's website at http://www.orchestrasantamonica.org.

*Announcement: The OSM board is initiating a search for a new music director/conductor. A job listing for this position is now available at http://www.OrchestraSantaMonica.org/MD-job-listing.html and through the Association of California Symphony Orchestras career center.