PNB Music Director and Conductor Resigns

After twenty-five seasons as Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Music Director, Stewart Kershaw tendered his resignation Tuesday in a letter to the company, effective immediately. In his announcement, Kershaw stated, “Please understand that I am now 68, have been a professional ballet conductor for the last 43 years, and recently completed 25 seasons as PNB's Music Director. It is also exactly 20 years since my efforts to create the PNB Orchestra were rewarded in October 1989.”

While a search for a permanent replacement is being made, PNB is arranging for other conductors to work with the company on upcoming performances. For the time being, resident conductor Allan Dameron, who has been on staff since 1990, will be stepping onto the podium a bit more frequently.

And as for PNB’s cash cow: ‘The Nutcracker,’ which begins its run next month? According to Media Relations Manager Gary Tucker, “PNB has used guest conductors during the lengthy run of ‘Nutcracker,’ so we are looking into how they will be scheduled and don’t foresee any difficulties.”