Symphony Concertmaster departing to lead world-renowned Solisti Di Zagreb ensemble

Symphony Concertmaster departing to lead world-renowned Solisti Di Zagreb ensemble

Final solo concerts for Borivoj “Boro” Martinić-Jerčić are May 3 & 4

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Symphony announced today that longtime concertmaster Borivoj “Boro” Martinić-Jerčić would be leaving the organization to assume a full-time leadership role with the Solisti Di Zagreb.  He will take over the roles of Concertmaster and Music Director this fall.  In September, “Boro” will also join the music faculty at the Zagreb Conservatory of Music.  Before he departs, Martinić-Jerčić will be recognized with farewell concerts where he will perform the evenings' crowning solos on May 3-4 in the Concerto in D Major for Violin and Orchestra by Erich Wolfgang Korngold.  His last concerts with TPS will be May 25-26. 

“The role of Music Director of the Solisti Di Zagreb is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — I get to work as a music director and teach at a great conservatory of music,” he said.  “After dedicating so much time and energy already, it only seemed natural to commit myself to their mission completely.”

A highly regarded artistic group from Martinić-Jerčić's hometown of Zagreb, Croatia, the Solisti Di Zagreb have performed more than 3,000 concerts worldwide since their founding in 1953.  Traditionally the group performs without a conductor, led instead by the ensemble's Concertmaster.   Martinić-Jerčić first performed as Concertmaster for the Solisti Di Zagreb in June 2004, where he took on the additional role of Music Director in March 2006.   Martinić-Jerčić began his tenure with The Phoenix Symphony as Concertmaster in the spring of 1998.  Prior to his current appointment, he held the title of Acting Concertmaster for six years and Associate Concertmaster for one season.

“While we are sad to see him leave, we know this is a great opportunity for Boro,” said Virginia G. Piper Music Director Michael Christie.  “The Solisti Di Zagreb couldn't have selected a better musician to lead them into the next phase of their growth.”  
 
While Martinić-Jerčić admits that his new role will take some getting used to, he is glad to be serving as artistic ambassador for his homeland.

“Working with the Solisti Di Zagreb for the past year, I have admired their dedication to the craft and art of musicianship.  It is an honor to join them as concertmaster, and share in their artistic growth,” he added.

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