A conductor search committee, which included Weller, selected the three finalists from among 250 applicants. Each will audition by programming and conducting a concert at the beginning of the 2006-07 season.

"The three conductors we have chosen to appear in the coming season have solid credentials and experience as music directors in their respective cities," Weller said. "I am excited, and I know our audiences will be, to hear these fine men in action and hear what they are able to achieve with the Philharmonic."

Commanday, the former music director of Boston Ballet and associate conductor of the San Diego Symphony and New Jersey Symphony, is currently music director of the Peoria Symphony in Illinois. Itkin is the music director of the Arkansas Symphony and Abilene Philharmonic in Texas; Rubardt is music director of Florida's Pensacola Symphony.