The Guadalajara Reporter

Dynamic New Yorker picks up JPO baton

Local business leaders are ready to chip in and help pay part of the salary of Alondra de la Parra, the 31-year-old New York-born conductor who was named the new music director of the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) just before Easter.

The Jalisco Culture Department issued a press release to announce its decision to hire the youthful and energetic De la Parra. The official unveiling of the conductor is expected at a later date since she has several international engagements to fulfill through July, including two concerts in Chicago later this month.

De la Parra was appointed to head one of Mexico’s most prestigious orchestras after an almost year-long search. Suitable candidates had reportedly turned down the job after being unimpressed with the salary.

Alejandro Elizalde of the orchestra’s governing body (Patronato) said last week that the extra money required to secure the services of De la Parra will be provided by private enterprise and would not affect the overall JPO budget.

Although the Patronato  has not revealed De la Parra’s base wage, the additional payments could be as high as 60,000 pesos a month, some sources say.

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