Friday, May 11, 2018

Broadway World: Andre Raphel...Conductor Laureate Of The Wheeling Symphony

André Raphel


May 10, 2018

André Raphel, Music Director of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra for the past fifteen years, was honored with the title of Conductor Laureate on Wednesday evening, May 2 at a recognition ceremony taking place in Wheeling, West Virginia. On May 18, he will conduct the Wheeling Symphony in its season finale program featuring Respighi's "Pines of Rome" and works by Dvorak, Beethoven and Richard Strauss. The concert is to be followed by a public celebration.

Christina Terek, President of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors said, "The Board of Directors is extremely proud to bestow upon Maestro André Raphel the honorary title of Conductor Laureate. Through his leadership, programming, and commitment to excellence, Maestro Raphel has created incredible musical triumphs in his fifteen-year tenure with the orchestra. The Board of Directors is honored to celebrate André Raphel and his work with our Wheeling Symphony Orchestra.

Music Director of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra since 2003, Maestro Raphel has led the Orchestra in critically acclaimed festivals, world premieres and commissioned works by illustrious American composers such as Richard Danielpour, Jennifer Higdon, Kenneth Fuchs and Ellen Taaffe Zwilich. During his tenure, he has raised the Orchestra's musical standards and artistic profile with creative programming honing critical acclaim, as well as establishing Composer Residencies. He conducted the Wheeling Symphony in its first performance of Sibelius' Seventh Symphony during the orchestra's history. In addition, he has launched many special projects and audience development initiatives bringing the Orchestra further recognition.

"Maestro Raphel's artistic excellence and professionalism in his role as conductor leaves the Wheeling Symphony with a restoration of centeredness, unification, and technical accomplishment," stated Rachel Stegeman, the Concertmaster of the Wheeling Symphony. She continues, "During rehearsals with him, his dedication to the musicians, commitment to great music making, and having the Symphony connect emotionally with the audience inspired us to rise to each concert with enthusiasm and vigor."


"It is a great honor to be named Conductor Laureate of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra," states André Raphel. "In May 2016, when I announced to the Orchestra my decision to step down as Music Director following the 2017-18 season, it was with great appreciation for what we've accomplished. Receiving this honor is a testament to what we've accomplished as an organization during the last fifteen years. Working with the wonderful musicians of the WSO has been a constant source of inspiration, making for a meaningful collaboration and fulfilling artistic experiences."

Comment by email:
Hi Bill, Thanks for the post. Best Regards, André
André Raphel  www.andreraphel.com

No comments: