Annie O'Neill, Post-Gazette Thomas Douglas, seen in traditional African formalwear for City Theatre's annual fund raiser last year, is the Bach Choir's new artistic director. Click photo for larger image.

The only time being stripped of a title is a positive development is when you lose the word "interim." That's what the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh has done with conductor Thomas Wesley Douglas, naming him its new artistic director. Douglas, who had served the past season as interim director, succeeds Brady Allred in the position. Terms were not disclosed.

Douglas is on the faculty of Carnegie Mellon University, where he conducts the Vocal Jazz Ensemble and lectures. He was musical director of the Pittsburgh Public Theater, chorus master of the Canton Symphony and assistant conductor of the Mendelssohn Choir. He founded Pittsburgh Chorale-East and the Pinnacle Players.

The 120-voice Bach Choir also announced its new season (venues to be announced unless noted): "Opera Obsessions," with the Pittsburgh Opera Center (Nov. 4-5); "Choir Cabaret," Cabaret at Theater Square (Feb. 17-18, 2006); "The Poetry of Jazz" with new works by Joe Negri and Tom Roberts (March 30 and April 1). The choir also will perform with River City Brass Band (Dec. 5-12) and the Wheeling Symphony (date TBA).