Youngstown Symphony Extends Fleischer’s Contract
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Randall Craig Fleischer, musical director of the Youngstown Symphony Society, has agreed to lead the symphony three more years, Patricia Syak, president and CEO, announced Friday.
Fleischer, who has directed the symphony since 2007, will remain through the 2017-18 season. Besides conducting the orchestra, he is responsible for overseeing the artistic staff, planning the programs and selecting the music performed.
During his tenure, the Youngstown Symphony has expanded its engagement with the community by presenting young people’s concerts in schools (in addition to the DeYor Center), holding pops concerts at Eastwood Field (“Pops at the Ballpark”), and “Stained Glass Concerts” held Sunday afternoons in houses of worship.
The symphony has worked with performing arts groups in the region such as Ballet Western Reserve, Easy Street Productions and the Youngstown Connection. And under Fleischer’s direction, the symphony has presented side-by-side concerts with the Youngstown Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Under Fleischer, the Youngstown Symphony performed the world premieres of a Chris Brubeck concerto, “Time for Three,” and Gregory Prechel’s “Impressions at The Butler,” a composition based on the composer’s visits to the Butler Institute of American Art.
Fleischer is a composer as well as a director. The symphony has performed some of his work, such as “Echoes,” “Symphony in Step,” “Spiritual Journey” and “Rocktopia” to the delight of Youngstown audiences.
On Nov. 7, he will direct the Youngstown Symphony as it performs his latest work, “Country Legends,” based on a collection of more than 20 country music hits by singers and songwriters that include Johnny Cash, John Denver, Patsy Cline, Faith Hill, Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson and Billy Ray Cyrus.
Rachel Potter, a country music recording artist and songwriter, and Patrick Thomas, another country singer based in Nashville, will be the leading guest soloists, joined by local artists James McClellan, Janeen Williams and Cassandra Rondinella.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
