“During his four-year tenure as conductor of the symphony orchestra, Kevin did much to raise the standards for the group. He challenged them with new repertory as well as with some of the giants of the traditional repertory. His performance of the Mahler Second Symphony was said by some long-time music faculty to be one of the highest points in the history of the School of Music.”
“What we don't want is to bring in somebody who would simply use the university as a stepping stone to the next level, a professional group somewhere. We want somebody who has a real desire and commitment to build our orchestra program so that it is among the best in the country.”
