The Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra (HSO) is embarking on a national search to replace executive director, Jeff Woodruff, who has announced his retirement in June 2020 following the conclusion of the 2019-2020 anniversary season.
“The strong reputation of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra–its exceptional musicians led by Maestro Stuart Malina–positions us well to attract a talented executive director in 2020,” said Steve MacDonald, chairman of the Symphony’s board of directors. “The Symphony will continue to benefit from Jeff’s highly effective leadership as we celebrate our 90th season and prepare for our exciting future.”
Woodruff was hired in August 2003 and has spent the last 16 years at the helm of Harrisburg’s professional orchestra. Under his steady hand, Woodruff doubled the Symphony’s operating budget and substantially grew its endowment.
“Jeff’s leadership has enabled our exceptional cadre of performers to delight the Harrisburg region with outstanding Masterworks and Pops performances,” said Stuart Malina, the Tony-Award winning conductor of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra.
Prior to leading HSO, Woodruff worked in various administrative capacities at the Houston Symphony, the Florida Orchestra in Tampa Bay, and the Grand Teton Music Festival in Jackson Hole, WY. “Working with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra will be the capstone of my career,” said Woodruff. “The real gem is the orchestra itself. I’m so proud of the fabulous orchestra we have here in Harrisburg.”
In April 2020, the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra will celebrate its 90th year with a special concert in the New Holland Arena in Harrisburg’s Farm Show Complex. This 90th anniversary celebration – “Music in the Key of We” – will feature Beethoven’s monumental 9th Symphony with its famous “Ode to Joy” finale sung by a chorus of several hundred singers. This anniversary year is an important moment in time to celebrate HSO’s heritage and regional contribution.
About HSO – Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra presents inspiring symphonic music performed by its professional orchestra along with educational programs for audiences of all ages to enrich the cultural life of Central Pennsylvania. This regional jewel of talent is made up of 140 world-class musicians and led by Tony Award-winning conductor Stuart Malina. In 2020, the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra will celebrate its 90th year as a professional orchestra based in Harrisburg.
A typical season includes seven pairs of Masterworks concerts, five pairs of concerts of the Capital BlueCross Pops Series, two Young Person’s Concerts for school age children, and free outdoor concerts in several communities over the July 4th weekend. In addition, the Symphony season includes a number of educational activities, including in-school performances and master classes featuring Harrisburg Symphony musicians.
