WILMINGTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
MUSIC DIRECTOR SEARCH
The Music Director and Conductor of the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra (WSO) is responsible for realizing the orchestra’s artistic potential and enhancing its presence within the community.
As the artistic leader of the WSO, the Music Director will be tasked with curating diverse and engaging music programming that attracts and builds our audience through both season subscription and individual ticket sales. We are seeking a visionary leader who can inspire our musicians and connect with our community.
The application is now closed.
ABOUT US
Founded in 1971, the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra has been a cornerstone of the cultural landscape in Southeastern North Carolina for over five decades. Our mission is to inspire, educate, and entertain through classical music. With a commitment to artistic excellence, community engagement, and education, we bring excellent performances to our audience and offer enriching programs for all ages.
MEET THE SEARCH COMMITTEE
WHERE WE LIVE
Wilmington, North Carolina is the anchor city for the Cape Fear region that is among the fastest growing in the United States. Wilmington boasts a vibrant music and arts community with museums, chamber music, opera, choirs, musical theater, and college performances. Wilmington has multiple performance arts centers and outdoor amphitheaters.
Wilmington’s proximity to the ocean, its charming historic downtown and riverwalk, award winning restaurants, growing business base, robust arts scene and a strong university and community college make for a desirable place to live and raise a family.
HIGHER EDUCATION
There are 3 colleges in Wilmington and 33 colleges within 100 miles, enrolling over 120,000 students.
In Wilmington:
Cape Fear Community College (CFCC)
Miller Motte College
University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)
A sampling in the Cape Fear/Southern Region:
Brunswick Community College, Bolivia, NC
Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC
Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC
Methodist University, Fayettesville, NC
University of Mount Olive, Mount Olive, NC
Webster University, Fayetteville, NC
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WILMINGTON AREA!
CLICK HERE to see why Downtown Wilmington continues to win awards year after year.
Wilmington, NC named The Best City On The Rise in Southern Magazine!
Historical Overview from the Wilmington N.C. River District & Island Beaches website.
WHERE WE PERFORM
Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College
The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra performs its Classics Series and Classical Family Concert at the Allan & Laura Wilson Humanities and Fine Arts Center at Cape Fear Community College. The building boasts a grand performance hall designed with three floors that wrap the stage, and the height and drama of the space provoke a reverent and energizing feel.
Riverfront Park & Live Oak Bank Pavilion
The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra performs an annual Fourth of July Symphony Pops Concert at the City of Wilmington’s Fourth of July Celebration at Riverfront Park, located along the Cape Fear River. Riverfront Park includes the Live Oak Bank Pavilion, festival space, playground, and interactive water feature, as well green space, plazas, gardens, and natural areas. The concert venue is managed by Live Nation.
APPLICATION
The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra (WSO) welcomes applications for the position of Music Director and Conductor, available beginning in the 2025-2026 season. Our goal is to have the Music Director in place by April, 2025.
The application is now closed.