Dear friends of Seattle Modern Orchestra,
After fourteen years as co-Artistic Director of Seattle Modern Orchestra, Jérémy Jolley has made the decision to step down from the role. We are thrilled to announce that University of Washington faculty, percussionist, and long-time member of SMO, Bonnie Whiting, will succeed Jérémy as co-Artistic Director. Julia Tai will continue her role as co-Artistic Director alongside Bonnie, creating a visionary and energetic combination that will continue to move SMO into the next phase of its life.
For the past two seasons, Bonnie has taken on an increasing leadership role as a member of the ensemble and our board of directors. Her artistic vision and advocacy has led to the augmentation of our concerts’ programming with works by luminaries such as Sarah Hennies and George Lewis. She has premiered as a featured soloist in SMO’s commissioned works by Kaley Lane Eaton and Huck Hodge. She was also instrumental in inviting artists such as Director Neil Parsons to work with our musicians on the West Coast premiere of Kate Soper’s Ipsa Dixit in March 2023. She is the curator of this season’s final program in June that features the music of Frederic Rzewski, Mauricio Kagel, and Bethany Younge. Looking ahead to next season, Bonnie is leading the SMO curatorial team of musicians to bring all of us an imaginative 2024-2025 season (to be announced in June). Jérémy plans to stay on as the Founding Director in a consulting role to support the leadership transition at SMO.
“Personally, I am humbled and grateful in thinking of all the amazing projects and collaborations that SMO has presented for Seattle audiences in the past decade and a half – with 37 world premieres, 16 U.S. premieres, 86 Seattle premieres, 2 recording projects, and many formidable guest artists. I hope you share my excitement about what SMO has done to fulfill our mission in building a strong and adventurous community of musicians and audiences through the music of the 20th and 21st centuries. I know SMO will continue to have a significant impact on the artistic landscape of our region as well as nationally and globally. I’m looking forward to attending the June concert to hear a glimpse of what is to come from Bonnie, Julia, and the SMO musicians. I hope you will join me, and that you are looking forward to the announcement of another fantastic concert season.”
Jérémy Jolley, Founding Director
“It has been a tremendous joy and honor to work alongside Jeremy in bringing the best of contemporary music to our Seattle audiences. I’m filled with pride and gratitude to see the little project that we dreamed up in a coffee shop so long ago developed into a strong organization that performs, commissions, and actively participates in the development of new music. I’m excited to work with Bonnie in her new role as the co-Artistic Director of SMO. She brings such artistry and vision to the ensemble that I’m sure will continue to energize and excite musicians and audiences alike for years to come.”
Julia Tai, co-Artistic Director
“I am full of gratitude to Jeremy for all his work cultivating such a strong force for new and adventurous music in our community. His work curating excellent concerts, creating new work for the ensemble, and expanding SMO has made it the highlight of my musical life here in Seattle. I can’t wait to keep working with Julia, and all of you, as we keep growing.”
Bonnie Whiting, co-Artistic Director
Please join us all on Friday, June 14 at Town Hall Seattle to celebrate SMO’s new leadership at our Season Finale:
Corporeal Worlds: Music by Bethany Young and Mauricio Kagel
Thank you all for your support!
Jérémy, Bonnie, and Julia
Julia Tai conducting SMO musicians at Town Hall Seattle