Press release from the Asheville Symphony:
The Asheville Symphony Orchestra (ASO) would like to announce that David Whitehill, who has been the Executive Director of the Asheville Symphony since 2012, will leave the ASO this summer for a position with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in New Orleans.
Bolling Farmer, President of the Board of the Asheville Symphony Society comments: “The Board thanks David for his stellar leadership in collaboration with the Music Director, the ASO musicians, board and staff, and the Asheville community in making our symphony strong and vibrant.”
Whitehill, whom Musical America Magazine recently named one of the Top 30 Music Professionals in the country, came to the Asheville Symphony following five years as the Executive Director of the Bangor Symphony in Maine. Previous to that, Whitehill held positions with the Pacific Symphony and Philharmonic Society of Orange County, both in California. Whitehill currently sits on the board of the League of American Orchestras.
During Whitehill’s time in Asheville, the Asheville Symphony began the biennial Asheville Amadeus Festival that has featured renowned musicians like Emanuel Ax, Garrick Ohlsson and Midori and brought on new Music Director, Darko Butorac. During Whitehill’s tenure, the Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra expanded and ASO curated a hugely popular New Year’s Eve concert. Further, ASO launched the IDEASOUND recording initiative and recorded albums with Grammy Award winners Steep Canyon Rangers, Boyz II Men, and Secret Agent 23 Skidoo.“We congratulate David and wish him and his family the best in their move to New Orleans; his transition will be over the next few months,” Farmer continues. “Our search committee is beginning the search to find a replacement for our Executive Director, and we are confident that we will find another visionary leader to guide us to further success.”
The Louisiana Philharmonic, based in New Orleans, offers a full 36-week season with more than 120 performances, including classics, light classics, pops, education, family, park and community engagement concerts in New Orleans and across multiple parishes in the state. Additionally, the LPO collaborates with and provides orchestral support for other cultural and performing arts organizations, including the New Orleans Opera.
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