Picnic Pops: June 22-July 11

Free concerts in the parks begin June 22 and extend a tradition begun with John Philip Sousa and Arthur Fiedler, Read more

Maestro To Lead ASO Through ’12

Maestro Christopher Wilkins has renewed his contract and will continue as the organization’s Music Director and Principal Conductor through 2012. Read more

Wilkins Signs On For Three More Years

MAESTRO CHRISTOPHER WILKINS TO STAY IN AKRON THROUGH 2012
Contract renewal reflects current financial reality for Akron Symphony

Akron—The Akron Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is pleased to announce that Maestro Christopher Wilkins has renewed his contract and will continue as the organization’s Music Director and Principal Conductor through 2012.
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Phil Walz On WAKR

Listen here for a brief interview between WAKR/Akron News Now reporter Larry States and the Akron Symphony’s new Executive Director Phil Walz.

ASO Announces New E.D.

The Akron Symphony is pleased to announce the selection of PHIL WALZ as Executive Director to succeed Margo Snider, effective July 2009.

Mr. Walz was chosen at the conclusion of a year-long search which began last June under the direction of Greater Akron Musical Association (GAMA) Executive Vice-President Ted Good. “By December [of 2008], we had a substantial list of applicants from around the country,” said Good. “Intensely scrutinized by a diverse selection committee, Mr. Walz rose to the top of our list due to his extensive experience in fundraising and development, his demonstrated business acumen in running successful arts organizations and his status as an award-winning orchestra manager.”

Prior to his hire in Akron, Phil Walz worked as Director of Development for the Island Institute in Rockland Maine, Executive Director of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, and Director of Development for Plymouth State University. He has also been Executive Director of the New Hampshire Music Festival and Assistant/Acting Manager of the New Hampshire Symphony Orchestra. In 1985, Mr. Walz was awarded the Helen M. Thompson Award from the League of American Orchestras for outstanding young orchestra manager.

GAMA President Thomas Clark is looking forward to Walz’s start. “I think that Phil’s background shows that he is someone who is able to run an orchestra in today’s social and economic environment,” said Clark. “He and his wife Laura are excited about the opportunity to come to Akron and he’s ready to hit the ground running and move the orchestra forward.”

Akron Symphony Music Director and Principle Conductor Christopher Wilkins believes Walz will be “a great fit” for Akron. “He has a strong background in both the numbers and the notes. Having trained first as a concert pianist he knows music well. He will be a terrific advocate for our artists and programs,” said Maestro Wilkins. “He will also enjoy working alongside a staff and board who share his passion and his values. Most importantly, Phil has earned a reputation for tenacity in the name of building long-term institutional success.”

Phil Walz will officially meet the entire GAMA board of trustees next Wednesday (May 20) at the group’s annual meeting.

Photos:

New Akron Symphony Executive Director Phil Walz meets members of Symphony staff and board while (GAMA immediate Past President) George Rosin looks on.

Akron Symphony Associate Conductor Christopher James Lees congratulates new ASO Executive Director Phil Walz at a reception at Bricco downtown.

Laura Wallz (wife of new Akron Symphony Executive Director Phil Walz) shares a laugh with GAMA board members Jerry Irby and wife Nancy.

New ASO Executive Director Announced

For Immediate Release:

AKRON SYMPHONY ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Akron Symphony is pleased to announce the selection of Phil Walz as Executive Director to succeed Margo Snider, effective July 2009.

Mr. Walz was chosen at the conclusion of a year-long search which began last June under the direction of Greater Akron Musical Association (GAMA) Executive Vice-President Ted Good. “By December [of 2008], we had a substantial list of applicants from around the country,” said Good. “Intensely scrutinized by a diverse selection committee, Mr. Walz rose to the top of our list due to his extensive experience in fundraising and development, his demonstrated business acumen in running successful arts organizations and his status as an award-winning orchestra manager.”
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Fanfare Countdown #6: Hunan

We’re now less than TWO weeks away from Fanfare 2009: Simply Sinatra and bringing you another featured auction item going up on the block during our Gala dinner before the big concert.

Auction Item Preview #6
“Hunan”

Treat yourself and seven of your friends to a private sushi and sake dinner experience at House of Hunan’s Fairlawn location. Known for being one of the best Chinese restaurants in the Akron area, the House of Hunan also serves some of the most fresh and creative sushi dishes around. Guests will also enjoy a sushi demonstration by Master sushi chefs and partake in a sake tasting in the private dining area.

For Sinatra fans, today is a big day as two new recordings of Frank Sinatra’s–one new and one re-release–are now available. The first is a remastering of quite possibly Sinatra’s most identifiable album: My Way. This meticulously remastered version commemorates the 40th Anniversary of the original release in 1969. Aside from the legendary title track, there are Sinatra’s covers of Stevie Wonder’s For Once in My Life, Simon & Garfunkel’s Mrs. Robinson, and the Beatles’ Yesterday. Another highlight is Jimmy Webb’s poignant Didn’t We–one of Frank’s best! The second release is a new live recording captured at the Meadowlands in New Jersey in March of 1986. Aside from being one of the most sought after ‘bootleg’ recordings among Sinatra aficionados for many years, this “official” release showcases Hoboken born and raised Frankie performing for his home town crowd. The energy that comes through the speakers will blow you away! Check ‘em out.

Invitations for Fanfare 2009: Simply Sinatra are out now. But if you’d like, you can RSVP online today! If you didn’t receive an invite with our limited edition Steve Lippia CD, you can request one here.

See ya’ next time…