After an intense search for new artistic leadership that spanned the course of nearly three years, The Southwest Florida Symphony only had to look as far as its neighbor to the south, Naples, to discover who will lead Lee County’s crown jewel of arts and culture into the future. The orchestra’s board of trustees is overjoyed to announce the appointment of its next music director, Maestro Radu Paponiu.
Maestro Paponiu also serves as the associate conductor and Youth Orchestra director of the Naples Philharmonic and is now the sixth music director in the Southwest Florida Symphony’s 62-year history. “This is the beginning of a wonderful new era,” said Amy Ginsburg, the symphony’s executive director. “Radu is definitely the right person, at the right time for us and fortuitously, he is in the right place geographically to make this a seamless transition.” Kathleen van Bergen, the CEO and President of Artis-Naples echoed Ginsburg’s sentiment. “It has been a joy to watch Radu’s artistry deepen and his talent gain recognition from musicians and audiences alike. As a cultural neighbor, supportive friend and serious fan, I congratulate Radu on his appointment and wish him wild success as his star continues to ascend.”
Maestro Paponiu went on to say, “I am so looking forward to joining the Southwest Florida Symphony family and to bringing great music to the community. During my visiting week in April I was so taken by everyone’s eagerness to make me feel welcome and their dedication for music making. I cannot wait to build countless memories together.” The Maestro has already finalized programming drafts to complement repertoire selected for next season, further demonstrating his enthusiasm for joining the Southwest Florida Symphony family.
Details on the Southwest Florida Symphony’s season will be regularly updated throughout the summer and can be found at www.swflso.org.
