ASHLAND — The Ashland Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors has accepted the Search Committee’s recommendation to hire Michael Repper as the new Music Director and Conductor of the Ashland Symphony Orchestra.
The organization made the announcement in a Thursday afternoon press release, but stated the term began on May 27.
“I couldn’t be prouder to join the Ashland Symphony as Music Director,” Repper said. “From our first moments together in January, I felt a deep connection with the remarkable musicians and the dedicated board.
“Together I’m looking forward to continuing the Ashland Symphony’s tradition of energizing the city through great performances, and leading the Symphony in its next chapters by exploring new ventures and collaborations!”
Jan Archer, ASO Search Committee Chair, was quick to express her excitement for the new conductor.
“The Search Committee is very happy to have successfully concluded the long process to find our new conductor. We extend our congratulations to Maestro Repper and look forward to welcoming him into the Ashland Symphony family.”
Praised by the Baltimore Sun for his “confidence and expressive nuance,” Repper is considered one of the most sought-after young conductors in the world, the Symphony announced.
“With work spanning four continents, Mr. Repper has an international reputation for engaging and exciting audiences of all spectrums, and for promoting new and diverse musical talents,” Archer stated. “An ardent supporter, advocate, and educator of young people, Mr. Repper’s mission is to use music as a vehicle for positive change within our communities.”
Repper is the Chief Conductor of the Central Ensembles of Sinfonía por el Perú in Lima, one of the world’s most versatile social impact music organizations, as well as the Music Director of the New York Youth Symphony, which performs at Carnegie Hall. He has also been the Music Director of the Northern Neck Orchestra of Virginia since 2015.
Repper has collaborated on large-scale productions of symphonic and theatrical works with the Weill Music Institute at Carnegie Hall, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Ravinia Festival, Peabody Institute of Music, and the New School of Music, among others.
An avid pianist, he regularly performs as a soloist alongside his orchestras and choruses, and as an orchestral player as well. Most recently, he played in the Chicago Symphony for their performances of Bernstein’s Mass, which was broadcast on PBS Great Performances.
Alongside the standard repertoire, Repper is especially invested in programming new music and showcasing fresh talent. His ensembles have performed dozens of world premieres and pursued innovative commissions, as well as a variety of Carnegie Hall premieres from established and emerging composers.
Repper’s recent album with the New York Youth Symphony, on AVIE Records, features world premiere recordings of works by Florence Price, Jessie Montgomery, and Valerie Coleman. The album has peaked at #1 on the Billboard Charts and plays on the radio all over the world.
As some of the Ashland Symphony’s own audience members have said, “Mr. Repper is a breath of fresh air for the Ashland community.”
Many have expressed their excitement of being able to work with Michael Repper and see what new musical expressions he can bring to Ashland.
“We are delighted to welcome Michael Repper as the next Music Director and Conductor of the Ashland Symphony Orchestra,” said Michael Hupfer, President of the ASO Board of Directors. “His experience and enthusiasm will help keep our orchestra vibrant as it enters its second 50 years of making great music for the Ashland community.”
Martha Buckner, ASO Executive Director said, “I am excited to work with Mr. Repper. He has a joy for music and orchestra ensembles. His enthusiasm is infectious and he is eager to get to know the ASO and the Ashland community. I look forward to introducing him to all that we have to offer and introducing him to you, our audience.”
Repper is already making an impression on the Ashland community with his boundless energy and his passion for music. Michael is eager to get on the Ashland stage and bring unique and captivating programs to the area.
It will not be long until the community can see Repper on stage. He ill conduct the ASO on Sunday, July 3 for the annual Pops in the Park concert.
The 2022-2023 concert season will begin Sept. 10.
For more information, please visit www.ashlandsymphony.org and if you would like to learn more about the new conductor, visit http://www.mikerepper.com.
