Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra Press Release.
Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra Introduces New Conductor
(September 15, 2003) - Dr. William LaRue Jones will make musical history next month. As the new conductor/music director for the Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra, he is only the fourth person to hold the title.
When he takes the Alberta Kimball Auditorium stage October 11th, he begins a new era for the 62+ year old organization. Only three other conductors have preceded him: Harold Arentsen, Dr. Henry Pensis, and Dr. Jun Wang.
Jones, who exudes energy and excitement as he talks about the upcoming season, says he looks forward to working with the region's most talented musicians.
"The idea of becoming a permanent part of this ensemble really intrigued me," Jones said, after a stint as guest conductor for the 2002 Holiday Concert. "I really enjoyed working with the members of the Orchestra and enjoyed their attitude as well as their efforts toward making good music."
Jones founded the Greater Twin Cities' Youth Symphonies in Minneapolis in 1972. During his 25-year tenure, the program achieved international acclaim and became a model for youth symphonies worldwide. Today, he is a Professor of Music and Director of Orchestra Studies at the University of Iowa. He is also a member of the conducting faculty of the International Workshops' String Orchestra.
"Dr. Jones has a passion for orchestral music and it really shows when he is on stage," said Kay Qualley, Executive Director of the Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra. "He has energy and ideas and is ready to take the Symphony to the next level."
No Stranger
Jones is a familiar face in regional music circles. He has lectured at
workshops offered by the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and conducted
clinics in Oshkosh, Appleton and Green Bay. He has friends on the
University faculty. And, he is eager to present a show-stopping season
that begins with one of classical music's hottest acts: The Ahn Trio.
"Opening the season with the internationally-acclaimed Ahn Trio is really special," Jones said. "We have the kind of variety that will be a hit with one-time concert-goers and season subscribers."
Jones' official work has already begun. As music director, he worked with the Symphony's Programming Committee to select repertoire and guest artists for the season. He'll rehearse with the musicians for the first time September 27th and begin promoting the upcoming season on the same day, at the Symphony's Wine Opus, a fund-raising event, featuring upscale wines and gourmet food. It is an event that attracts wine connoisseurs and amateurs alike.
All the preparatory work leads up to his debut concert on October 11th, the night he takes the stage as Music Director and Conductor of the Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra.
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