GSO founder will be general manager

Simon Irving, founder and artistic director of the Guelph Symphony Orches­tra, will be redefining his role after the 2009-2010 season to assume a greater focus on the management of the orchestra.

The change will see him be­coming conductor emeritus and general manager of the orches­tra in the 2010-2011 season. The search for a perma­nent conductor will begin short­ly.

Since the orchestra’s for­mation in 2001, Irving has fill­ed the dual roles of both artistic director and general manager. Under his leadership, the or­chestra has enjoyed remarkable growth, expanding from a mod­est beginning to a 55-player, professional-level sym­phony.

Over the past eight years, the orchestra has given 53 concerts, recorded a broadcast-quality CD, brought interna­tion­ally renowned soloists to the River Run stage, and built a loyal audience and a flour­ishing group of volunteers and staff.

The orchestra also provides valuable opportunities for young emerging professional performers with its annual under-23 concerto competition.

“Building and nurturing the GSO has been a wonderful ex­perience,” said Irving.

“Now it’s time to pass the baton to fresh hands, and I will, of course, be working to ensure a graceful transition into the ap­pointment of a new permanent conductor, and the continued success of the orchestra.”

For details about the orches­tra visit guelphorchestra.ca.