The Pioneer Valley Symphony bids farewell to Maestro Paul Phillips

After 23 seasons, the Pioneer Valley Symphony bids farewell to its Music Director. Paul Phillips, Music Director and Conductor of the PVS since 1994, has been named Director of Orchestral Studies at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA, resulting in the end of his tenure at the PVS. In his 23 seasons as Music Director, he has led the PVS to new artistic heights. Under his direction, the PVS won three ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming, received the New England Public Radio Arts and Humanities Award for Outstanding Organization, represented Massachusetts in the Ford Made in America project, and was declared one of the best symphonies in Massachusetts by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. He has directed numerous world, national, and Massachusetts premieres, bringing contemporary classical music to the Pioneer Valley.

Incoming President of the Board of Directors, Beckie Markarian, states: “Paul Phillips’ innovative programming and high expectations have set PVS apart as a community orchestra and provided our musicians with unparalleled musical opportunities. He championed bringing classical symphonic music to the children of Franklin County through our education program and concert, making classical music accessible to new audiences. It has been a pleasure to have Paul lead us for 23 seasons. We will miss him but wish him the best in California.”

More information regarding a celebration of Maestro Phillips’ tenure at the PVS will be forthcoming.

The PVS is currently accepting applications for the position of Music Director and Conductor. More information can be found here.