Zinman Quits As Orchestra Director

BALTIMORE (AP) - David Zinman has resigned his title of music director emeritus of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

Zinman resigned in protest of its present artistic direction, specifically a decline in programming of works by contemporary American composers.

Yuri Temirkanov, who succeeded Zinman as music director in January 2000, has emphasized Russian and European repertoire.

A letter from Zinman was announced to the players' committee of the orchestra. It was received just before the orchestra opened its 2001-2002 season last week.
"We're saddened by this,'' said violist Jeffrey Stewart, chairman of the committee. ``We intend to communicate to David that it's a real loss to the orchestra. Hopefully, it will be short-lived.''

Zinman, who served as musical director for 13 years, also canceled previously scheduled appearances with the orchestra in March. His tenure was perhaps best known for championing American music, much of it commissioned by the BSO.