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S.F. Symphony Principals' Homecoming

Janos Gereben on May 12, 2015
Robin Sutherland (Photo: Jeanette Yu)
Mark Inouye

Great news about San Francisco Symphony principal keyboard Robin Sutherland (occupying the Jean & Bill Lane Chair): he is rejoining the orchestra at the end of May.

Also, principal trumpet Mark Inouye (William G. Irwin Charity Foundation Chair) may remain in that position when the fall season begins.

Sutherland, 64, has been with SFS for 42 years, ever since S.F. Conservatory president Milton Salkind selected the young student to substitute as a Symphony soloist for Mack McCray, taken ill just before a concert. (Assistant concertmaster Mark Volkert is the current SFS longevity champion, with 43 years of service; Paul Renzi, principal flute, played with the orchestra for 60 years, from 1944 until 2004.)

Fast-forward to Davies Symphony Hall two weeks ago. The pianist, scheduled as soloist for Tan Dun's The Banquet Concerto, withdrew so suddenly that the orchestra's artistic administrator, Richard Lonsdorf, had to announce Sutherland's illness and replacement from the stage. Magdalena Baczewska, a specialist inTan Dun's music, was flown in to substitute, and she gave a terrific performance – without using a score for the substantial piece.

Sutherland's fans in the audience (of whom there were many) were worried, though, because the pianist had come through a lengthy illness just a couple of years ago. There was no word from him until Sunday, when he sent this email: "I expect a return in the vicinity of 26 May."

As to Inouye, there has been much speculation about his future since he joined the New York Philharmonic's European tour last month, participating in the year-long audition process to replace the Philharmonic's principal trumpeter Philip Smith, who retired after a hallowed career of 36 years with the orchestra. (There has been a series of changes in the Philharmonic's first chairs.)

The tour is over and although no announcement is expected until the Philharmonic position is definitively filled, several sources both in New York and San Francisco indicate Inouye may be staying with the Symphony. Meanwhile, Inouye will be front and center in Davies Hall on July 9, for "A Jazzy Night with Mark Inouye," showing him off in the many genres he has mastered.