Delaware Symphony Orchestra Announces Final Four Candidates in Music Director Search

The Delaware Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is pleased to announce the final four candidates for consideration in the position of the organization’s next Music Director. The four finalists are: Mélisse Brunet, Filippo Ciabatti, Michelle Di Russo, and Taichi Fukumura.

The comprehensive search process, which began in July 2023, commenced with the call for initial applications. Nearly 150 applications were received during the process from around the world. The 13-member Music Director Search Committee — composed of Musicians of the Delaware Symphony, members of the Delaware Symphony Association Board of Directors, and community leaders — held interview rounds with candidates throughout Fall 2023.

All four finalists will appear with the DSO during the 2024-2025 season, with the appointment of a new Music Director announced no earlier than Spring 2025. Through the coming season, audience members will be surveyed following each candidate's engagement in this highly competitive process.

“I was astonished and impressed by the caliber and quantity of applications we received for the Music Director position,” says Frank Clowes, President of the Delaware Symphony Association. “As members of the Search Committee, our leading community members, musicians, and board members conducted an extensive evaluation of applicants, holding over 20 hours of interviews.”

“I'm looking forward to seeing our finalists join us on stage next season to demonstrate their musical skill and their ability to inspire and connect with our audiences, musicians, and community,” says Clowes.

"We are excited to present these four exceptional candidates and look forward to sharing their talents with the community for consideration,” says J.C. Barker, Chief Executive Officer. “This is an exciting time for the DSO as we select our next artistic leader moving into the future.”

For information about the Music Director candidates and the application process and timeline, please visit DelawareSymphony.org.

Established over 100 years ago, the Delaware Symphony Orchestra is among the premier orchestras in the U.S., and the only professional orchestra in Delaware. The DSO presents classical and contemporary repertoire in orchestra and chamber music concerts during the year. Along with its educational programs and other special events, the DSO attracts audiences of all ages and experience throughout the First State and Brandywine Valley.

The Delaware Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.

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