Redlands Symphony Orchestra names new music director and conductor – Redlands Daily Facts

The Board of Directors of the Redlands Symphony Orchestra has appointed Deanna Tham as its 9th music director and conductor.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Deanna Tham to the Redlands Symphony family and to our community,” said Karen Hansberger, President of the Symphony Board of Directors, in a statement. “The Board was impressed with Deanna’s depth of musical knowledge, her curiosity in wanting to learn about our community and how the symphony fits into it, and her rapport and collegiality with musicians, audiences, donors and staff.”

Tham will take the podium and assume leadership on July 1 for the 2026-2027 symphony season.

According to a Redlands Symphony press release, Tham was chosen for the position for her “captivating and tenacious spirit on and off the podium.” In addition to her new role as music director, Tham is also the music director of the Union Symphony Orchestra in North Carolina.

Her previous experience includes positions as the associate conductor with the Oregon Symphony, assistant conductor with the Omaha Symphony and with the Jacksonville Symphony, and principal conductor of the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras. In addition to her background, Tham has authored original school-curriculum-based programs for young people.

“We are excited to see where Ms. Tham’s expertise in musical performance, music education, and community-centric musical events takes the Redlands Symphony and, more importantly, how her unique skill set will help the symphony serve the greater community,” said Dr. Bob Bourne, who chaired the symphony’s music director search committee.

“I am beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as Redlands Symphony’s next Music Director and Conductor,” said Tham in a press statement. “It is rare to find a community as special as Redlands (and her neighbors), where the arts are celebrated and uplifted. I am excited to work with our Executive Director, Kevin Eberle-Noel, our Board, and our musicians and supporters to make the symphony a stronger community resource that serves all people through top-tier musical artistry.”

Tham and symphony leadership are finalizing plans for the 2026-2027 symphony season, which will also be the orchestra’s 75th.

“We’re working on amazing programs that everyone in our community can find great benefit from all while being swept away in the soundtrack of Redlands that only the Redlands Symphony can provide,” said Kevin Eberle-Noel, executive director.

For more information on Tham and the Redlands Symphony, visit redlandssymphony.com.