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June 17, 2026
WINDSOR – Four talented artistic leaders are contending to be the area’s new Music Director.
“We are thrilled to have four exciting, expert and engaging candidates in the final stage of our Music Director search,” said Kyle Kootstra, chair of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra’s (WSO) Board of Directors. “The interest in this role is a clear reflection of the WSO’s reputation as a professional, progressive orchestra.”
The four finalists were announced at a media event on Wednesday. They are Andrew Crust, Benoit Gauthier, Cosette Justo Valdes and Carolyn Watson. Each will conduct two WSO 2026-2027 season concerts and, while in Windsor, will meet with key stakeholders including musicians, staff, donors, patrons, board and community members.
“Each candidate comes with a wide range of experience and a genuine interest in our community,” said Kootstra.
Of the four finalists, three are Canadian or Canadian residents, two are male and two are female and two are French speaking. Further biographical information on each candidate is attached.
Kootstra along with Music Director Search committee chair, Deborah Severs, explained the process taken by the WSO board to find a new Music Director after the untimely death of Robert Franz last September. The committee consists of volunteers representing WSO stakeholder groups.
Over 120 applicants applied for the role with the initial short-list consisting of 13. From there, a sub committee was formed to conduct interviews with the short-listed candidates via Zoom. After these interviews were done, four finalists were identified and agreed upon by the full committee. The board also approved the list.
“This process has been transparent and thorough,” Severs explained. “Everyone will have a chance to see each candidate conduct and to provide feedback through surveys.”
A schedule of concerts for each finalist is available online at windsorsymphony.com/music-director-search
The Music Director provides artistic leadership to the orchestra and is an important community voice for arts and culture in Windsor-Essex. The process to hire a new Music Director will likely take the WSO a full season to complete.
For more information:
Lauren Holmes
[email protected]
or 519.973.1238
