THE FOLLOWING IS A DANVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RELEASE
ABOVE: Maestro Sheppard conducting the “Beatles & Bach” concert, May 4, 2024.
Danville, IL, May 28, 2024 – The Danville Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is thrilled to announce Maestro Matthew Sheppard as the organization’s next Music Director.
“I am so thrilled to welcome Maestro Sheppard into the DSO Family,” says DSO Executive Director Kay Welch. “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 was selected after a yearlong search process which included over 60 applicants. From the initial applicant pool, two finalists were chosen to come to Danville, visit school ensembles and community organizations, and conduct two concerts of the 2022-23 season.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to join the Danville community and continue the fabulous work of the Danville Symphony Orchestra,” says Sheppard. “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!”
DSO Music Director, Matthew Sheppard
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. Sheppard has also guest conducted orchestras in North and South America, including the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional del Paraguay, the Chicago Philharmonic, and the Champaign Urbana Symphony Orchestra.
Patrons will have the opportunity to greet the newly appointed Music Director at the 2024 Gala titled “Meet the Maestro.” This fundraising event will be held at the Danville Country Club on June 1 starting at 4:30 pm. The event will include dinner, silent and live auction, and live music by musicians of the DSO.
The DSO is a 501 c 3 organization with a 57-year tradition of bringing outstanding orchestral performances to the City of Danville, Vermilion County, and the East Central Illinois region. Performances are supported in part by the Illinois Arts Council and by the John P. Cadle Foundation. For more information or for a four-concert season subscription, you may contact Kay Welch or Maddi Julian at (217) 443-5300 or visit the Danville Symphony Orchestra website at www.danvillesymphony.org.
