Pops Conductor Hangen Out

Another hour, another layoff.

Bruce Hangen, principal guest conductor for the Boston Pops, has been let go. Hangen, 59, told me earlier today that he's upset by change, though he would rather not speculate on the reasons behind it.

"I'm not arguing their ability to make whatever decision they want to make," said Hangen, who remains director of orchestral activities at Boston Conservatory. "My upset comes form the fact that I thought I was an honored colleague and that honored colleagues simply don't get treated this way."

The Pops responded to our query with a statement from Bernadette Horgan:

"We’re grateful to Bruce Hangen for his tenure as Principal Guest Conductor to the Boston Pops for the past four years, and we wish him continued success with his busy work life. Though we do not discuss personnel issues publicly, we can say that we are constantly reevaluating the needs of the organization and strategically responding to them on every level, including staffing. The Boston Pops, with its national and international touring schedule, annual Fourth-of-July concert and telecast, numerous guest appearances, regular recording projects, and intense spring and holiday seasons, is the busiest Pops orchestra in the country. It’s a complex organization with constantly changing needs, and we’re grateful to Bruce for his contributions during his time as principal guest conductor."