Eric Dudley Extends Appointment as Artistic Director through 2023-24 Concert Season
SAN FRANCISCO (July 1, 2021) – San Francisco Contemporary Music Players (SFCMP) announces that Artistic Director Eric Dudley has renewed his appointment with the organization through the 2023-24 season. Dudley has led the SFCMP ensemble since 2018 as its eighth artistic director.
Under Dudley’s leadership, the ensemble has maintained its focus on large-ensemble works with a spotlight on California artists. During his tenure, Dudley has helped the organization increase the number of commissions each season. Notable recent commissions include premieres by Michael Gordon, Myra Melford, Tyshawn Sorey, and Caroline Shaw. In 2021, the organization navigated the challenges of COVID during its 50th anniversary season and Dudley enthusiastically realigned the concert productions for live capture and on demand online access which helped to further the reach of the organization outside of the Bay Area. In collaboration with the board of directors and Executive Director, Lisa Oman a Creative Advisors program has been established consisting of visionary artists from a variety of cultural disciplines that includes Tyshawn Sorey, Caroline Shaw, Pamela Z and others. Dudley commented, “I am thrilled to be collaborating with and presenting the work of these preeminent artists, and I am also thrilled about the extension of my appointment–I'm ready to get back to the concert hall with our phenomenal musicians.”
Dudley leads a multi-faceted career as a conductor, composer, vocalist and is a founding member of the genre-defying vocal octet Roomful of Teeth, touring worldwide and recording a wide array of newly commissioned works with the Grammy Award-winning ensemble.
SFCMP Executive Director Lisa Oman commented, “Eric brings authenticity and warmth to the role of Artistic Director. He’s an incredibly talented and open-minded conductor with high standards and collegial leadership.”