THE VENICE SYMPHONY, INC.
VENICE, FLORIDA

Finding a Maestro involves a great deal of time, commitment and planning. The Conductor Search Committee, comprised of Venice Symphony Board members, musicians and Executive Director Christine Kasten began meeting in September 2015. The Committee received 164 applications from conductors all over the world, vying for the chance to lead The Venice Symphony. After many meetings and SKYPE interviews, the Committee chose the seven finalists: Teresa Cheung, Silas N. Huff, Janna Hymes, Steven Jarvi, Stilian Kirov, Troy Quinn and Wesley Schulz. Each will conduct a concert featuring music they selected for The Venice Symphony’s 2017-18 season. “I was so impressed by the level of talent and experience of the conductors who applied for this position,” said Christine Kasten, Executive Director of The Venice Symphony. “We are honored and excited to bring them and their programs to The Symphony and our audience.” The Venice Symphony will provide music appreciation that integrates quality musical performances and educational opportunities with accomplished musicians to enrich the experiences of the community. HISTORY & MISSION The Venice Symphony will provide a standard of music appreciation within its community that integrates quality musical performances, unique educational opportunities and accomplished musicians to enrich the experiences of the community. HISTORY OF THE VENICE SYMPHONY The Venice Symphony was incorporated in November 1974 when 56 area volunteer musicians joined together under the leadership of Hartley Haines, the director of music in the public schools. Originally, the orchestra played three concerts in the Venice High School auditorium with banks and subscribers covering the costs. As operating costs increased and the musicians were compensated, and The Symphony began to charge for tickets. When Schumacher retired in 2009, violinist Kenneth Bowermeister was named Music Director/Conductor. On November 21, 2014, the Symphony moved its concerts to the Venice Performing Arts Center at Venice High School. Bowermeister retired at the end of 2016 and Imre Palló, was hired as Interim Music Director as The Venice Symphony began its search for a new permanent Music Director. The Venice Symphony held a