This past Saturday (June 1st), during the Danville Symphony Orchestra Gala at the Danville Country Club, Maestro Matthew Sheppard could definitely take a deep breath and realize he was the new Conductor and Music Director of the Danville Symphony Orchestra. He had spent the past year alternating as conductor with Richard Zielinski, with a pending decision on who would permanently replace the retired Maestro Jeremy Swerling.
Maestro Sheppard said at the end of the gala that it’s great to enjoy looking to the future.
AUDIO: Just fantastic; it feels great to be at the end of one road and the start of the next road. We have an exciting journey ahead of us. This Danville community is fantastic, and what a great way to kick things off with this gala.
(1st Picture) Maestro Matthew Sheppard excitedly greets the crown during Saturday’s Danville Symphony Orchestra Gala at the Danville County Club. (2nd Picture) Auctioneer Paul Sermersheim acknowledges a bid during the auction portion of the gala.
Maestro Sheppard and his wife, former residents of the Champaign-Urbana area; will continue to reside about an hour and 40 minutes north of Danville; as he continues his work leading the Elgin Youth Symphony and teaching at the University of Chicago.
