AKRON, Ohio - Akron Symphony Orchestra Conductor Christopher Wilkins has agreed to serve as music director and conductor through 2021.
Wilkins has been music director for the 65-year-old orchestra since 2006, and is the sixth conductor.
"It is an honor to serve this wonderful institution," Wilkins said in a news release. "I want to continue working to make all who live here aware of the great jewel we have in this orchestra. I am deeply proud to be part of an organization with such a clear vision of the essential role music can play in a community. The musicians of the Akron Symphony Orchestra bring so much beauty to our community, creating vital community connections in countless ways. And as good as it's been, there is so much more we can do; we just need the resources to match our vision."
With a strong interest in community-oriented programming, Wilkins has led the orchestra in partnering with Northeast Ohio organizations ranging from the LeBron James Family Foundation to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
According to Michael Pasternak, Greater Akron Music Association board president, Wilkins has raised the level of Akron Symphony's artistic excellence since he became conductor.
"He has brought to Akron a special artistic talent that allows the Orchestra to create artistic magic by incorporating talented local and global artists, from all walks of life, in an orchestral setting," Pasternak said in the release. "Vibrant arts make Akron a better place to live, work and play, and Christopher personifies vibrant arts programming leadership."
The Akron Orchestra's 2018-19 season will open at 8 p.m. on Sept. 29 at the E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. The performance will feature Tchaikovsky's "Capriccio Italien" and Mozart's "Piano Concerto No. 21" performed by guest pianist Angela Cheng.
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