JEFF KORBELIK / Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Thursday, July 21, 2005 7:00 pm
Abendmusik: Lincoln, already minus an artistic director, is now without an executive director.
Sue Buss, who served more than 14 years with the performing arts organization, recently resigned to pursue other interests.
"I'm going to miss it terribly," said Buss, who left at the beginning of this month. "But I want to explore what else I can do."
Paula Nichols, director of First-Plymouth Congregational Church music and fine arts board, said no decision has been made on whether Buss, who was paid by the church, will be replaced.
"We're thinking about it," Nichols said.
Abendmusik: Lincoln will enter its 33rd season this fall. The organization is known for its unique programming, ranging from chamber orchestras to gospel singers.
This year, Abendmusik will feature seven mainstage and three "Rush Hour" concerts. The season begins Sept. 30 with PianoFOURte performing an early evening "Rush Hour" event.
Camerata Nordica, a 16-piece chamber orchestra, kicks off the mainstage series on Oct. 23.
Larry Monson, a retired Doane College music professor, begins his second season as interim artistic director. He took over for founder John "Jack" Levick who resigned in 2003 to take a music position at a Florida church.
Monson, who also conducts the Abendmusik Chorus, has agreed to stay on through the choir's trip to Russia next summer. A search continues to replace Levick.
Buss said she began thinking about leaving after Levick left.
"Abendmusik was my passion," she said. "Jack and I worked very, very well together. When he left, I asked myself if wanted to retire here."
Her answer was "no."
"There are other things in life," she said. "Nothing is forever. Change is inevitable. Change is always a good thing."
Reach Jeff Korbelik at 473-7213 or jkorbelik@journalstar.com.