PORTLAND (AP) – The longtime conductor of the Portland Symphony Orchestra has been named the music director of the Yale Symphony Orchestra.

Toshiyuki Shimada, 53, is leaving the Portland orchestra after the 2005-2006 season. He will begin his new job in New Haven, Conn., while completing his duties in Portland, said Jane Hunter, executive director of the Portland Symphony Orchestra.

It is common for music directors and conductors to juggle jobs in different cities, Hunter said.

“I don’t think this will affect us at all. He will still produce, and he will still be here to conduct the concerts he is scheduled to conduct. There are many orchestras that have nonresident music directors,” she said.

“It’s almost the norm as opposed to the exception for music directors to have several major areas of responsibility.”

Shimada announced last year that he was leaving his job as the Portland symphony’s conductor and music director at the end of next season, when he will have completed 20 years.

His Yale appointment includes a post as associate professor, said Portland orchestra Board of Directors President Jeffrey Kane. Shimada was not available for comment.

Anticipating Shimada’s departure, the Portland orchestra has invited guests to conduct many of its concerts in its upcoming season. Shimada will be at the podium for the season opener Oct. 11 and is scheduled to conduct five other concerts, including his farewell on May 2, 2006.

Hunter said a search for Shimada’s replacement continues.

“Of the original 200-plus candidates, we are down to 22, who we will begin to look at more closely and in depth. We have a number of guest conductors already scheduled for next season, some of whom may be candidates,” she said.

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Information from: Portland Press Herald, https://www.pressherald.com

AP-ES-05-14-05 1331EDT