DAYTON — Neal Gittleman, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra artistic director and conductor is on medical leave to recuperate from a surgical procedure, the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance announced Thursday afternoon.
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The announcement means Associate Conductor Patrick Reynolds will conduct the orchestra throughout Gittleman’s recovery.
Gittleman, diagnosed with intermediate-stage prostate cancer in late 2022, is expected to return to the podium in early spring.
“The good news is that there’s a very high probability of a cure,” he said in a letter to the Dayton community. “The bad news is that recovering from surgery will keep me off the podium for a while.”
He also suggested that orchestra patrons might see him in the audience, enjoying performances, while he continues to regain the strength and endurance he needs for conducting.
“The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance family extends its warmest wishes to Neal as he recovers,” DPAA President & CEO Patrick Nugent and DPAA Board President Ed Tomme said in a joint statement.
“Neal is a pillar of our organization. His dedication and contributions to the arts and the community are unmatched, and we look forward to his triumphant return to the podium.”
Reynolds, a professor of music at the University of Dayton, is familiar to audiences from several SuperPops concerts, Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra’s Young People’s Concerts, and Magic Carpet programs. Most recently, he conducted DPAA’s Hometown Holiday production featuring the one-act opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors.”
NOTE: DPAA asks the public to respect Gittleman’s privacy throughout his recovery. Any cards or words of encouragement can be sent to Neal Gittleman c/o DPAA, 126 N. Main St, Suite 210, Dayton, OH. 45402.
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