There hasn’t been a lot of good news for Harrisburg’s arts community lately, but here’s some—maestro Stuart Malina has renewed his contract with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra (HSO).
According to board Chair Dr. Stephen C. MacDonald, Malina (pictured) has agreed to a three-year extension through the 2022-23 season.
“This contract renewal was not a difficult decision,” Malina said, in a statement. “Harrisburg is my home, and the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra is my family.”
This year, Malina celebrates 20 years with the orchestra. In addition to conducting the orchestra, he often performs as a soloist and, since 2013, has served as principal guest conductor of the Florida Orchestra.
“Since beginning my position, Stuart and I have worked closely with each other and the board to explore new and innovative ways to deliver an inspired season of music in a time of great change,” Executive Director Matthew Herren said. “Stuart is the heartbeat of the orchestra, both on and off the stage, and one of the reasons why coming back to the region was so very enticing for me.”
Herren officially became executive director on July 1, replacing Jeff Woodruff, who retired at the end of June.
The HSO hasn’t yet made a firm decision on its upcoming 2020-21 season. Last week, it released a statement saying that it was continuing to weigh the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on its plans.
“In the coming weeks, we should be in a better position to announce our plans for October and November 2020 programming,” the HSO statement said. “Due to the uncertain nature of events, and where the nation’s response to the pandemic will be this fall, announcements are likely to be made only a few months into the future at a time.”
For more information about the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and its plans for the performance season, visit its website.
