CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra will announce its new conductor and music director May 30 at the Clay Center following a search involving more than 160 applicants.
Six people are finalists to succeed Maestro Grant Cooper, who is retiring after 16 years.
The finalists are Kayoko Dan, Keitaro Harada, Stilian Kirov, Daniel Meyer, Lawrence Loh and Kevin Rhodes.
“Finding a new conductor is a daunting task, but our musicians, board members, and friends in the community have helped us find someone who will be a tremendous asset to the WVSO family and West Virginia,” orchestra president Joe Tackett said.
The candidates had to spend a week participating in interviews, community meet-and-greets and rehearsals.