Springfield Symphony Orchestra Announces Interim Leadership
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) announced that Peter Salerno will return to the post of executive director for an interim period as the board of trustees begins a nationwide search for permanent leadership.
Salerno, a local business leader and long-time member of the orchestra’s board of trustees, served in this capacity prior to the hiring of outgoing Executive Director Audrey Szychulski. In January of this year, Szychulski announced her acceptance of a new position with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, leaving the Springfield Symphony Orchestra with enhanced sponsorship and a strengthened business plan.
Salerno expressed his enthusiasm in providing support to Maestro Kevin Rhodes and SSO staff. As a returning executive director and long-time resident of the Pioneer Valley, he brings a deep knowledge of the regional market and the caliber of programming the orchestra’s audience expects.
“Our mission is to make sure that our sponsors, donors, and single-ticket attendees all have the same high expectations as we do when they walk into Symphony Hall,” said Salerno. “And the Springfield Symphony Orchestra has the musical talent and excellent support staff to fulfill that mission.”
SSO President John Chandler also voiced his support for Salerno’s appointment during this interim period. “We are very pleased to have Peter join us again in this capacity. He is already fully up to speed as we look forward to announcing our fabulous 72nd-season program.”
Rhodes echoed Chandler’s enthusiasm. “I am delighted beyond words that Peter Salerno will once again guide the administrative and business side of the orchestra’s operations. He brings decades of leadership experience and business savvy to all that he does — as well as a good humor. The upcoming ’15-’16 season promises to be a knockout year … and we’ve had a great stroke of luck to have Peter once again joining us.”
In addition to serving on the orchestra’s board of trustees, Salerno teaches at Bay Path University and Clark University, serves as Finance chair of the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School Committee, and is lead consultant for Management Solutions, LLC. He looks forward to bringing his decades of business experience to his position with the symphony.
In the upcoming months, the SSO board of trustees will oversee a nationwide search for a permanent executive director, with the goal of having that individual in place by early fall 2015, as the symphony enters the beginning of its 72nd season.
