The Danville Symphony Orchestra (DSO) has announced conductor Matthew Sheppard as its next Music director.
Sheppard was chosen after a year-long search that evaluated 60 applicants after the recent retirement of Jeremy Swerling, who has led the orchestra for the last 27 years.
Sheppard has spent a year working with the DSO. He and the other candidates made two-season concerts in Danville during the 2022-2023 season, along with visiting school ensembles and community organizations.
"I am so thrilled to welcome Maestro Sheppard into the DSO Family," DSO Executive Director Kay Welch said. "We took every consideration to heart, and I know that Matthew is ready to take this organization head on. His energy and love for his craft are boundless."
Sheppard responded that he was also thrilled to join the Danville community and continue the fabulous work of the Danville Symphony Orchestra.
"The DSO staff, board, and wider community have been so welcoming this year, and we can't wait to show you what the next season brings to us in Danville!" he added.
Maestro Sheppard is the artistic director and primary conductor for several ensembles and youth orchestras in the Chicagoland area, including the award-winning Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra.
He has also performed as a guest conductor with orchestras in North and South America, including the Chicago Philharmonic, the Champaign Urbana Symphony Orchestra, and the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional del Paraguay.
Attendees can meet the recently appointed Music Director at the 2024 Gala titled 'Meet the Maestro.' The Danville Country Club will host the fundraising event on Saturday, June 1.
Furthermore, the event will include dinner, a live and silent auction, and live music performed by DSO musicians.
