FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2024
Bangor Symphony Orchestra Announces Contract Renewal for Maestro Lucas Richman
BANGOR, ME – The Bangor Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is thrilled to announce the renewal of Music Director Lucas Richman’s contract through June 2029, marking a celebrated continuation of his remarkable 14-year tenure with the orchestra. Under Maestro Richman’s direction, the BSO has reached new heights in artistic excellence and community engagement.
“Lucas Richman’s visionary leadership has not only elevated our orchestra’s profile but has significantly deepened our connection with the community,” says Elizabeth Sutherland, President of the BSO Board of Directors. “His renewed commitment ensures that the future of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra shines as brightly as the talents we showcase.”
During his leadership, the Grammy Award-winning Maestro Richman has been pivotal in enhancing the BSO’s programming diversity, notably championing works by female composers, including Elfrida Andrée and Jessie Montgomery, this past season. This commitment to equity in the arts has enriched the symphonic repertoire and provided our audiences with a richer, more inclusive musical experience.
In April, the BSO and Maestro Richman presented the “Paths to Dignity Project,” a groundbreaking initiative that builds musical bridges with the unsheltered community. The project culminated in a Masterworks performance featuring Maestro Richman’s own “Concerto for Violin: Paths to Dignity,” receiving high praise from patrons and musicians alike. The concert, featuring solely Richman’s compositions, underscored his significant impact on both the BSO and the wider community.
Looking ahead, Maestro Richman will continue to captivate audiences with innovative programming, including an exciting performance of John Williams’ legendary Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert score played live in sync with the film, scheduled for May of next year.
Renia Shterenberg, Executive Director of the BSO, added, “Lucas’ ability to blend traditional symphonic music with innovative community projects like the Paths to Dignity has been transformative. We are excited to see how his creativity will continue to enhance our programming and outreach in the years to come.”
“It has been a great honor and joy for me to collaborate with the wonderful musicians of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra all these years,” shares Lucas Richman. “It’s been an incredibly fulfilling partnership and I am excited about creating even more opportunities for furthering the enrichment of our region through the power of music.”
“The BSO looks forward to many more seasons of exceptional music-making under Maestro Richman’s leadership,” said Sutherland
The BSO’s 2024-2025 season has been announced and season subscriptions are now available. Both can be found online at https://www.bangorsymphony.
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The Bangor Symphony Orchestra is one of the nation’s oldest continually operating professional orchestras, dedicated to enhancing the cultural landscape of Bangor, Maine, through exceptional live performances, music education, and community engagement. Join us as we continue to perform and celebrate the transformative power of music.
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