Douglas Beery Appointed as New Chorus Director
Mr. Beery received a Bachelor of Music degree from Capital University and a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from The Ohio State University. Additional doctoral work has been credited in Music Education with a cognate in Conducting at Kent State University. Further graduate conducting study has taken place at the University of Michigan and Miami University. Mr. Beery is a member of the American Choral Directors Association and Ohio Music Education Association, where he has been an adjudicator of large group choral and solo/ensemble events for OMEA. In addition, He has served as Director of Music at Central Presbyterian Church, and Music Director for the contemporary service at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, both of Massillon, Ohio.
Maestro Gerhardt Zimmermann Passes Away
Maestro Gerhardt Zimmermann passed away unexpectedly on June 10th, 2023. The legacy of Maestro Gerhardt Zimmermann is, and forever will be, a shining beacon of esteemed brilliance that will echo throughout space and time. This may sound superfluous, but it rings especially true if you were lucky enough to witness the musical power and prowess he wielded with gleeful, resolute gumption every time he graced a stage. Gerhardt was a remarkable conductor, musician, husband, father, friend, and ultimately, an extraordinary human being who dedicated his life to the pursuit of musical excellence. We will celebrate his profound interpretations, exceptional musicianship, and the fatherly mentorship he bestowed upon us all throughout his more than five decade-long career in music. He has left an indelible impact on all who knew him, but especially those of us who worked with him closely.
William P. Blair III Passes Away
Mr. Blair was the founding President of the Ohio Foundation of the Arts, Inc., a statewide arts service corporation; and is a past President and Executive Committee Member of the Canton Symphony Orchestra, an association he has maintained for over 45 years. In 2019, the CSO honored him for his service to us and the Arts. He has received numerous awards and prizes for work in the arts and humanities including the Cleveland Arts Prize in July 2006 and Americans for the Arts award for state arts Advocacy. He is a recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Service Medal from The Ohio State University and the Heinlen Award from the Ohio State University Alumni Association for his work on behalf of his alma mater.
Mr. Blair is directly responsible for arts organizations existing in the capacity that they do statewide. His efforts have supported the enrichment of countless lives through art and music, for both those who receive and those who create it. He spent his entire life working to prove that access to the arts is a basic human right.
Rachel Hagemeier Becomes President & CEO
Rachel Hagemeier became the President & CEO of the Canton Symphony Orchestra in October 2022.
Hagemeier was the first and obvious choice for the position, demonstrating an unmatched reverence for all things relating to music and education. Her tenacity to accomplish above and beyond what is needed has propelled Canton Symphony’s educational initiatives into an unprecedented era of engagement.
Donna C. Leibensperger Passes Away
Donna Leibensperger was the catalyst responsible for growing the Symphony League into a quasi-independent entity that raised a significant sum of funds during her tenure. During this time, the Symphony League raised over $1 million towards to the Canton Symphony Orchestra’s operating budget. “I think one of the primary rewards for being a member are the friends you meet.” She passed away August 22, 2020 in Canton, OH.
Matthew Jenkins Jaroszewicz becomes the Associate Conductor
Before becoming the Associate Conductor for the Canton Symphony Orchestra in 2020, Matthew Jenkins Jaroszewicz earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Brown University. Directly after, he studied under David Hayes while pursuing a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting from Mannes College of Music in New York City. While in New York, Matthew became a Julius Rudel Conducting Fellow for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, received mentorship from Music Director JoAnn Falletta, served as an assistant conductor for six concerts, and was featured as a guest conductor at an educational concert. After that, he served as an Assistant Conductor of the Mannes Opera and worked under Joseph Colaneri, the Glimmerglass Opera Music Director.
The Canton Symphony Orchestra Closes its Doors due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
March 13th was the day the Canton Symphony Orchestra had to close its doors, bringing a sad and abrupt end to the 2019-2020 season. As cases continued to rise and as schools and businesses began to close, the CSO had no choice but to end its season prematurely as the future seemed unpredictable. Although we could no longer meet in person, our staff thought of new and creative ways to interact with the public through new virtual programming.
The CSO Partners with Gervasi Vineyards
Symphony Uncorked is the title of a new series born out of the pandemic. Symphony Uncorked offered CSO patrons and attendees the opportunity to wine and dine at home while enjoying orchestral music. When regulations started to wane as the pandemic started to slow, Symphony Uncorked became an in person event as CSO musicians played on site and outdoors at Gervasi Vineyards.
The first episode of Orchestrating Change makes its debut
The Orchestrating Change podcast series was founded and hosted by the current President and CEO Rachel Hagemeier, the manager of education and community engagement, and current Music Director Matthew Jenkins Jaroszewicz, the associate conductor. The podcast series seeks to facilitate conversations of making the hall a more welcoming place and the orchestra more accepting of diversity on stage. Orchestrating Change is available on YouTube, PodBean, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Podcasts.
Converzations becomes Spirited Conversations
Our old program, Converzations, which was launched in 2014, was switched to Spirited Conversations in 2021. This new program still gives the audience a chance to meet and talk with composers and guest artists but with a new and fun twist! The events now take place on Thursday evenings, rather than during the day. We also offer guests hors d’oeuvres and special drinks from our bar, Club Z!
The Canton Symphony Orchestra Returns with it’s 2021-22 season after Being Closed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
After a year of being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CSO finally makes a comeback with the Season Overture. This concert launched the 2021-22 season with The Art of Sailing at Dawn by the Northeast Ohio composer Margaret Brouwer. A few days before the concert, CSO attendees got to meet and talk to Margaret at Spirited Conversations.
