Despite great skiing, Lockhart to leave Utah

Here's a music director search to add to a growing list around the country: Keith Lockhart has decided to leave the Utah Symphony at the end of the 2008-09 season, the Utah Symphony and Opera announced this week. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Lockhart says he wants to pursue more guest conducting in the United States and Europe and spend more time with his family.

Lockhart is better known as conductor of the Boston Pops since 1995. But the 47-year-old conductor who got his start in Cincinnati has often stated his desire to conduct serious classical music, as well.

The Utah Symphony has struggled recently, including a period of accusations of financial mismanagement. It merged with Utah Opera in 2002, and the organization soon posted deficits of $3.4 million. It is now in a time of belt-tightening and restructuring.

Lockhart declined interviews, the Tribune said, but said in a statement, "Though the job of music director is richly rewarding, it is also extremely time-consuming and emotionally draining when done well."

His most recent local appearance was in April, when he led a tribute concert to Erich Kunzel at the Cincinnati Pops.

Lockhart's 3-year-old son, Aaron, lives in Boston with his former wife, violinist Lucia Lin.

Check out Keith's new Web site, where you can order cool stuff with his signature logo and read about Bare Naked Ladies coming to the Pops (that's Boston) soon!