2237081669_5841496bc6_o1.jpgPrincipal cellist, and classical music wunderkind, Joshua Roman announced today that he will be leaving the Seattle Symphony at the end of this season. While all signs would point to the Symphony’s recent legal wranglings (and the unsavory behavior of music director Gerard Schwarz that the litigation revealed) as a reason for his departure, Roman remained aloof about his exact reasons in a letter recently emailed to friends, family and the press. Sound will report more details as they become available. In the meantime, the letter:

Dear Friends and Family,

I am writing to let you know of my decision to leave the Seattle Symphony following the current 07-08 season. I informed the orchestra management of this decision yesterday. I thought it would be nice to tell all of you myself, instead of you hearing the news from others. This email was the best way I could come up with. In any case:

This decision comes at an exciting time for me. I have had so many opportunities since I came to the Seattle Symphony, and lately I have been taking more solo and chamber engagements here and elsewhere. I really appreciate the willingness of the Seattle Symphony to have placed so much faith in me at this critical point in my career.

I will miss many of the friends that I have made here, including two of the musicians that I sit next to almost every week; my stand partner, Susan Williams, and the charming man who sits next to me in the violins, John Weller. There are many more in the cello section, orchestra, staff, and around the city that I will remember fondly. My sincere hope is that our relationships will be lasting and flourish no matter where our roads take us.

As much as I have loved my time in Seattle, it is very important for me to keep a strong focus and commitment to my goals, and the foremost musical goal I have is to become the best cellist I can be. To that end, I will be doing tons of traveling over the next years, listening to many great musicians, practicing hard, performing a lot, and doing other cool stuff too. ☺ I plan to return to Seattle frequently and I already have several engagements here next season. Seattle is like a home to me; I love this place and the people I’ve met here!

I thank all of you for your support, especially my family, who has always thought that I was a bit nuts to want this life, but has supported me in everything nonetheless. It is because of this support that I am able to carry on and I hope to make the best of every opportunity and trust I am given.

All the best to all of you-

Joshua Roman

The Seattle Symphony released its official statement today, Friday, Feb. 1, congratulating the cellist on his decision to pursue a solo career. From the Roman quote herein and his letter above, both stating that he “plans” to return for a few performances next year and “hopes” to visit in the future, it appears that Roman will not be based out of Seattle. Where, Sound wonders, will the young man hang his hat. The statment:

For Immediate Release February 1, 2008

SEATTLE SYMPHONY CONGRATULATES CELLIST JOSHUA ROMAN
IN DECISION TO PURSUE SOLO CAREER

Seattle, WA – Seattle Symphony’s Principal Cellist Joshua Roman will pursue a solo career following the end of his current contract, which expires at the end of the 2007–2008 season. Roman has served as Seattle Symphony’s principal cellist since September 2006, succeeding longtime Principal Cellist Raymond Davis as The Dr. and Mrs. Richard Fuller Principal Cello.

“We’re all very sad to see Joshua leave us, and we are grateful for his tremendous impact on this community during his brief tenure,” Music Director Gerard Schwarz said. “Joshua is a very gifted soloist with a real personal vision for how music should be presented, and I believe this vision and his talent will bring him a great solo career. We wish him every success.”

Roman commented, “Being in Seattle has been such a great experience for me; I have met so many great people and had so many opportunities here. I have made a number of good friends as well, including many members of the orchestra and staff at Benaroya Hall, and I will miss them – but I hope to be able to return to Seattle often. It really has become a home for me, and I feel a strong connection with this city that I will hold on to.”

Since arriving in Seattle, Roman has introduced new audiences to classical music in a variety of non-traditional settings including local clubs, and has been involved with WolfGang, Seattle Symphony’s young patron’s group. Among his many activities this season have been performances in Europe and Asia, and he was recently named artistic director of the new TownMusic series at Town Hall, where he has given sold-out performances.

Roman’s next solo performance with Seattle Symphony will be June 19–22 when he performs Bloch’s Schelomo, Hebraic Rhapsody, at Benaroya Hall as part of the UBS Masterworks Season.

PHOTO: Joshua Roman, courtesy of joshuaroman.net