ASHLAND — The Ashland Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors has named founding music director Harold Weller, and its most recent conductor, Arie Lipsky, each as “Music Director Laureate of the Symphony.”
This honor was conferred on them by the board at its Oct. 26, and announced in a press release on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
Weller was the founding director and served 1970 to 77. Lipksy just concluded 23 1/2 years as music director.
In addition to congratulatory letters from the board and engraved clocks as gifts, their names will be included in all future symphony programs, reminding audiences of the pivotal role each of them played in the orchestra’s 50-year history.
Weller is retired in Las Vegas, and recently made a financial gift that was used to create a music education endowment for the symphony’s benefit. The Podium Endowment, established to honor Lipsky, who has relocated to his native Israel, continues to receive contributions. Both funds are held at the Ashland County Community Foundation, whose stewardship benefits the Ashland Symphony Orchestra in many ways.
Also, the Ashland Symphony Orchestra continues its exploration for a new music director/conductor. The 12-member search committee, chaired by Jan Archer, is currently reviewing applications and is working on a timeline by which candidates will be chosen.
Those chosen will each craft and conduct a symphony program during the 2020-21 season.
With input from audiences, board members, and orchestra musicians playing under the candidates’ direction, the committee will make its recommendation to the ASO Board of Directors in May, 2021.
“I have every confidence that the candidate this sterling committee will recommend to our board will reflect the great care this work-intensive group has undertaken,” said board president, Rev. Tom Snyder. “Made up of orchestra musicians, representatives from the university community, and the greater Ashland community, all are dedicated to Ashland’s great musical heritage, artistic excellence and the crucial role of the arts in shaping our lives.
“We will announce a new Music Director for the ASO by June 1, 2021. I am grateful to ASO Executive Director, Martha Buckner, and to our faithful board members for their hard work and focus in maintaining the Ashland Symphony Orchestra as a leading arts institution in Ashland during this season of transition.”
For more information about the symphony call 419-289-5115 or visit www.ashlandsymphony.org.
