DANIEL O’BRYANT
Named Assistant Conductor
St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra

Following a 2008-2009 concert season of guest conductors, the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra has named ANDREW ALTENBACH as the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor for the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons.  Dr. Altenbach was one of four final candidates considered by the Search Committee, Chaired by Dr. Mark Springer of St. Cloud State University and the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors.

Altenbach released this statement, “I am thrilled to embark on this new relationship with the St. Cloud Symphony. As an ensemble the SCSO is a terrific combination of talent, creativity, and personal warmth. I look forward to developing the orchestra's quality of sound and personality while maintaining an environment in rehearsals and performances where the love and exploration of classical music can flourish. The community of St. Cloud will hear a season filled with fun and exciting repertoire. Moreover, I believe the SCSO is one of the cultural focal points of the community, and the public will assuredly see performances of tremendous energy and passion.”

Andrew Altenbach conducted the St. Cloud Symphony on February 28, 2009.  He comes to the symphony with a wide range of experiences, including his position as resident conductor and head of music staff at the Minnesota Opera.  He also served as assistant conductor for the Santa Fe Opera.  He has been on the conducting staff for the Music Academy of the West, Cincinnati Opera, Chautauqua Music School, Opera on the James, Milwaukee Opera Theatre and Indiana University Opera Theatre.  His symphonic experiences include the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Brevard Music Center Orchestra, Bloomington Symphony, Indiana University Symphonic and Chamber Orchestras and North Shore Chamber Orchestra.

The orchestra is also pleased to announce that DANIEL O’BRYANT will serve as Assistant Conductor of the orchestra.  Dr. O’Bryant will not only conduct when Dr. Altenbach is unavailable, but will also contribute to pops and educational programming as needed. Dr. O’Bryant will also conduct the 2010 & 2011 Lemonade Concerts.

 The search for a new principal conductor began in February 2008.  The symphony received 108 applications for the position, a pool which was then narrowed to four final candidates including Dr. Brian Asher Alhadeff, Dr. Paul Davis, Dr. Andrew Altenbach and Dr. Daniel O’Bryant.  Each of these final candidates conducted one concert during the 2008-2009 season.  Each candidate was reviewed by the Search Committee, orchestra members, the audience and the symphony staff.  The Search Committee then made its recommendation to the symphony’s Board of Directors in May 2009.

Andrew Altenbach will conduct the 85-member symphony for the next two seasons, performing four subscription concerts each year.  He will work in cooperation with the symphony’s Music Committee to program the music for each season. 

Andrew Altenbach will debut as the principal conductor of the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra at the first concert of the season, October 24, 2009 at 7:30 pm at Ritsche Auditorium on St. Cloud State University campus.   Tickets for this event are available through the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra at 320-252-7276, Al’s Music, at the door or online at www.stcloudsymphony.com.  For more information on the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra contact the symphony office at 320-252-7276.