Wax to leave Philharmonic in early 2008

PROVIDENCE – David M. Wax will be resigning from the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School early next year after seven years as its executive director. In its announcement this morning, the organization said: “This is a difficult step for the board, who feel that a different form of leadership is required for the Philharmonic’s future growth.”
The board of directors will form a Search Recommendation Committee to review leadership options, the organization said. Wax has offered to assist during the transition period.

“During David’s seven-year tenure, the Philharmonic – including both the Orchestra and the Music School – has made enormous strides,” Almon C. Hall, president of the board of directors, said in a statement today. “The orchestra, under the direction of Music Director Larry Rachleff, now ranks as one of the finest regional orchestras in the country.

“The successful integration of the Music School into the Philharmonic organization has enabled the school to increase both the number of programs offered and the number of students served,” Hall continued.

“The culmination of this period has seen the creation of the Carter Center for Music Education. The beginning of the Center’s construction marks the start of a new phase in the Philharmonic’s history. We look forward to building on Mr. Wax’s accomplishments with leadership to guide the organiza­tion to even greater achievements.”

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Wax came to the Philharmonic in February 2001, the year after the orchestra’s merger with the Music School. He previously had served for 13 years as executive director of the Houston Symphony. His three decades in the field also have included management positions with the orchestras of Minnesota, Pittsburgh, San Antonio, Sacramento and North Carolina.

“It has been my honor and pleasure to work for and lead the Philharmonic for seven years,” Wax said, “and I look forward to applauding its continuing growth and progress.”

The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School, based in Providence, was formed by the 2000 merger of the symphonic orchestra with the music school. Besides private instruction in voice and instruments, and educational performances and instruction at local schools, community center and social service agencies, the Philharmonic’s education and community partnerships department fields a number of performance education ensembles, including the Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Orchestras, Wind Ensembles and Junior Providence Singers. www.ri-philharmonic.org.

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