Tulsa Philharmonic's Jean to exit

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- Tulsans don't support the performing arts as much as they claim, the music director of the Tulsa Philharmonic says in announcing his departure. <br><br>Kenneth Jean will conduct

Wednesday, March 22nd 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- Tulsans don't support the performing arts as much as they claim, the music director of the Tulsa Philharmonic says in announcing his departure.

Kenneth Jean will conduct his final concert on May 20.

He told the orchestra's musicians Tuesday night of his decision not to renew his three-year contract, which expires at the end of the season.

"When I first came here, a lot of people would tell me, `Tulsa really supports the arts,' " he said. "I feel I can rightfully say, `No, that is not what I have seen.' There is a very loyal group who cares about music, and with them I have no quarrel. But the truth is a lot of Tulsans like to say they support the arts."

Jean said it is no coincidence that the city's performing arts organizations struggle with finances. "There is not a single misstep or mistake or bad decision that people criticize the orchestra for that cannot be traced back to the fact we do not have the financial support -- particularly on the corporate level -- we need," he said.

Jean said he has no immediate plans to seek out another music director's post.