UPDATE - Thursday, May 9, 2015:
The San Luis Obispo Symphony announced Thursday morning that former conductor Michael Nowak has declined an invitation to conduct two Classics in the Cohan concerts and the annual children's concert during the upcoming season.
Thursday was the deadline for Nowak to make a decision. Following the declined offer, the symphony board will now further its search for guest conductors to fill the organization's planned full season of concerts.
"The Symphony will engage guest conductors from around the U.S. to take the podium for these performances," said Communications Director Lisa Nauful in a release.
Nowak told KCBX in an email that it "was an agonizing decision to make" considering the close relationship he has with the musicians.
"It was particularly distressing to turn away from a season that I had planned with world class soloists, and, of course, the children's concerts which are the highlight of the year for me," said Nowak.
He said he plans to explore new avenues for making music, both locally and outside the area.
"My hope is to reunite with my symphony family as often as possible," said Nowak. "They have been a source of great inspiration to me for 30 years and we have lots of music left in us."
Original Story:
The San Luis Obispo Symphony is preparing for a full season of concerts starting this fall. Some could even be led by ousted conductor Michael Nowak, who was let go by the organization in May.
The choice to invite Maestro Nowak to guest conduct was the result of several meetings between members of the orchestra and the Symphony board.
Lisa Nauful is the organization's communications director and a bassoonist in the orchestra. She said the decision to move forward with a full schedule and the invitation are important milestones following Nowak's departure.
“I won’t kid you and tell you it’s been all wonderful. It’s been hard work ,very hard work," said Nauful. "There are hurt feelings....People are at different places."
Nowak is invited to conduct two concerts of his choice, plus the annual children's concert. The board is currently doing a nation-wide conductor search for the other concerts.
The Symphony presented Nowak with the offer nearly a month ago. Nauful said the board has not yet heard a response. Thursday is the deadline.