Nancy Evans to head search for successor to Seattle Symphony music director Schwarz

Seattle Symphony board member Nancy B. Evans will head the search for a new music director for the orchestra.

The search committee also includes symphony musicians Elisa Barston, David Gordon, Seth Krimsky and David Sabee; board members Dr. Alexander Clowes, Paul Leach and J. Pierre Loebel; Seattle Symphony director of artistic administration Dr. Elena Dubinets; and community supporters Laurel Nesholm and Marlys Palumbo.

Board Chairwoman Susan Hutchinson and Executive Director Thomas Philion will serve as ex officio members of the committee.

The committee, Evans says, will be looking at "a global range of candidates" in its search to replace Gerard Schwarz, music director since 1985.

Schwarz plans to step down at the end of the 2010-11 season.

Thereafter he will return to conduct several weeks each season as the orchestra's new conductor laureate — a lifetime appointment.

Evans, Washington state's first lady during Gov. Dan Evans' administration, has broad experience in public service, both in the arts and with health organizations.

Michael Upchurch, Seattle Times arts writer: mupchurch@seattletimes.com