Feb. 21 concert will be his debut as music director-designate
The Oak Ridge Civic Music Association (ORCMA) has announced the appointment of Maestro Ian Passmore as the new music director of the Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra.
Of his appointment, according to the ORCMA news release announcing his new role, Passmore commented, “From the moment I first stood before the Oak Ridge Symphony in 2022, I knew this was a special musical partnership. I am excited to work alongside my ORCMA colleagues to craft cohesive seasons that honor beloved masterworks, introduce fresh artistic perspectives, engage our community, highlight regional talent, and bring distinguished artists from around the world to Oak Ridge.”
Passmore brings a blend of artistic excellence, engaging leadership, and community-minded vision to ORCMA, the release from the nonprofit organization stated. Known for his approachable style and deeply expressive conducting, he has earned recognition both nationally and internationally for his work with professional and youth orchestras.
Currently in his second season serving as interim music director and conductor of the Charlotte Youth (N.C.) Symphony and conductor of the Youth Camerata, Passmore’s career highlights include leadership roles with the Omaha Symphony, where he made history as the orchestra’s first associate conductor. His guest conducting engagements have included the Charlotte, Delaware and North Carolina symphony orchestras and the Buffalo, Louisiana, and Hanoi philharmonic orchestras.
He holds a doctorate of music from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, a Master of Music from the University of Delaware, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
He is the creator of “Symphonic Shorts,” a digital series aimed at breaking down barriers and engaging new audiences. Passmore’s energetic presence, both on stage and online, serves as a catalyst for audience growth and vibrant community connections.
The principal musicians of the Oak Ridge Symphony have expressed enthusiastic support for Passmore’s appointment, highlighting his inspiring leadership and clear artistic vision as key factors in their unanimous endorsement.
“We are energized and inspired by Ian’s conducting,” the musicians are quoted as having said in the news release. “His rehearsals are expertly led, his musicality profound, and his presence on the podium unifying. We are excited to move forward with him at the helm.”
“Ian Passmore’s appointment reflects ORCMA’s ongoing commitment to artistic excellence, innovative programming, and the expansion of community engagement, as it enthusiastically looks forward to a promising future. We firmly believe that Passmore is the right leader at exactly the right time, poised to elevate our performance and deepen our connection with the Oak Ridge community,” the release stated.
“We invite the community to be inspired, energized, and part of this defining moment in ORCMA’s history. Join us on Feb. 21 at FUMC (First United Methodist Church) Oak Ridge as Ian Passmore takes the stage for his debut performance as music director-designate, an unforgettable milestone as we proudly celebrate our 81st season and look forward to his leadership ushering in our 82nd season.”
The Association gratefully acknowledges funding support from the Tennessee Arts Commission and proceeds from the sale of Tennessee Specialty Plates. ORCMA also extends sincere thanks to its corporate sponsors and the many individual donors whose generosity makes its work possible.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.oakridger.com ’
