After spearheading the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra for 15 years, music director Janna Hymes plans to step down. The symphony announced Sunday that the 2018-19 concert season will be her last with the organization.
“Williamsburg has been a home to me, and it has been an honor to be welcomed into the community by all of you and this wonderful orchestra surrounding me,” Hymes said in a news release. “Making music with these musicians, and in this community, is a joy.”
Hymes said she’s departing with the knowledge that she achieved the goals she established when she first took the job, such as expanding the concert season, diversifying the repertoire and increasing awareness of the WSO. Hymes lives in Maine with her family; she didn’t specify what she has planned following her departure.
“Janna’s boundless energy and ideas have provided wonderful opportunities and unique concerts for the orchestra and community,” Carolyn Keurajian, WSO executive director, said in the release. “We are so grateful that she brought her incredible talents to Williamsburg and look forward to celebrating her 15th anniversary next season.”
As the WSO looks toward celebrating its 35th anniversary throughout the 2018-19 season, the organization is also planning to launch an international search for Hymes’ successor. Candidates under consideration will conduct for the symphony during the 2019-20 season, with the final selection in place to conduct the 2020-21 concert series.
The orchestra plans to release more details about the search in the near future as the team looks to build upon Hymes’ legacy.
“We will be forever grateful for the foundation she has laid for our future and wish her the best as she continues to grow in both stature and opportunity,” Vance Stallings, president of the WSO board of trustees, said in the release.
Want to go?
The 2018-19 Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra season debuts in September and runs through May 2019. For more information, visit williamsburgsymphony.org.
