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Farewell Mr. Moeckel
07/10/2008 03:14 PM Cathalena E. Burch
We’ve just learned that Steven Moeckel, the Tucson Symphony Orchestra’s critically acclaimed, beloved concertmaster is leaving for greener pastures in Phoenix.
Our loss is certainly their gain, but Moeckel no doubt is leaving for financial gain as much as artistic growth. He was in Europe performing so we couldn’t reach him to comment, but with the year-long contract talks producing no tangible results, it’s no secret that Moeckel and his fellow TSO musicians have been frustated with the TSO’s management. By some accounts, the pay scale in Phoenix is easily double what he makes in Tucson.
One bright note: We get Moeckel for a few more concerts, including the season opening concert Sept. 25-26. He’ll perform Beethoven’s Violin Concerto. He also will perform two concertmaster recitals, one in mid-November, the other in February 2009.
