Munoz, to leave CSO, conducts Classical Roots

Tito Muñoz, 23, appointed assistant conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in May 2006, is leaving to join the Cleveland Orchestra. The American Symphony Orchestra League announced Thursday that Muñoz has been named one of five conductors in the newest class of the American Conducting Fellows Program. The program places exceptionally talented young conductors with American orchestras for two- or three-year residencies.

Muñoz will begin his residency with the Cleveland Orchestra this fall. He made his Cleveland Orchestra debut at the Blossom Music Festival last August.

A native of New York, Muñoz assisted Cincinnati Symphony music director Paavo Järvi and served as associate conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra. In February, Muñoz stepped in for an ill Krzysztof Penderecki to make his CSO subscription debut.

The Cincinnati Symphony plans to announce auditions to fill his position.

Catch Munoz in one of his last area performances, tonight and Saturday, when he conducts the CSO's Classical Roots: Spiritual Heights concerts.

The free family concerts begin at 7:30 p.m., and the program -- "High and Lifted Up" -- includes spirituals, gospel and classical favorites.

The combined choirs of Allen Temple and Quinn Chapel AME Churches, Community Chorale of St. Peter's United Church of Christ and Zion Baptist Church will be participating.

The program includes the Haydn Trumpet Concerto in E-flat Major, with soloist Wayne J. du Maine. The St. Louis native performs with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Brooklyn Philharmonic and Long Island Philharmonic, and other organizations. Besides recordings with the Met and the New York Philharmonic, he can be heard on many TV commercials, motion pictures and with Prince on his "New Power Soul" album.

Tonight: Allen Temple AME Church, 7030 Reading Rd., Bond Hill
Saturday: Quinn Chapel AME Church, 10998 Southland Blvd., Forest Park

Concerts are FREE. info: www.cincinnatisymphony.org