East Texas Symphony Orchestra names Lee Music Director and Conductor

Conductor selected from over 170 applicants for the position.

Richard Lee, East Texas Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director and Conductor.

TYLER — The East Texas Symphony Orchestra’s board of directors has named Richard Lee as the new ETSO Music Director and Conductor. Lee, currently a Toronto resident and Resident Conductor of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra will assume his new duties on June 1, 2012.

Lee was selected from over 170 applicants for the position. The search process began in late 2010 under the direction of nationally recognized orchestra consultant, Henry Fogel, with the formation of a search committee composed of East Texas Symphony Orchestra Association board members, ETSO musicians, and community members, chaired by Greg Smith, who became ETSOA Board President in June, 2011. The committee directed the process through multiple phases, culminating in the identification of the five conductors, including Lee, who led the orchestra during the 2011-2012 concert season.

Throughout the search, the committee sought feedback from various constituencies including the orchestra musicians, concert audiences, donors, educators, community partners and the ETSOA Board of Directors.

“We were delighted with the community involvement in the process,” said ETSO Executive Director Nancy Wrenn. “Everyone was engaged and enthusiastic throughout this past season.”

“There were five excellent candidates from whom we were able to select our new Music Director and Conductor,” said Search Committee Chair and ETSOA President Greg Smith. “When we looked at the many skills needed for the person in this position, both on the podium and off, Richard Lee rose to the top.”

Lee will be the East Texas Symphony Orchestra’s 10th Music Director and Conductor. He succeeds Per Brevig, who left the position in May 2011 after nine seasons with the orchestra.

The orchestra begins its 2012-2013 season on September 22, 2012.