Idaho Falls Symphony is seeking a new executive director
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - The Idaho Falls Symphony has begun the search for a new Executive Director after Carrie Athay stepped away from the role in September.
As the search continues, two symphony members are stepping in as Co-Interim Directors to lead the organization into its next chapter.
"The process takes a month, two months, three months," Marta Smith, Co-Interim Director of the Symphony, said. "A lot is happening in the symphony between now and then. So Gabby and I are holding the ship together."
Marta Smith and Gabriella Roderer have been a part of the symphony for years, and have developed a close friendship and partnership. As the now leaders for the Symphony, they're putting that partnership to the test.
“I am so grateful and excited to have these two exceptional women stepping up as interim directors," Alice Pike, the President of the Idaho Falls Symphony, said. "Gabby is the librarian and Marta symphony manager. They're amazing women and they work well together.”
The symphony is looking Nationwide for their next Executive Director, while keeping a close eye on the local talent.
“The biggest thing for the executive director is to keep the symphony relevant and funded and operating," John Radford, the Symphony Vice-President, said. "We need a dynamic person who can do that and will be the advocate for music and the full symphony. I think we are lucky that Idaho Falls has a deep pool of talent.”
As for the Music Director, they have already narrowed down the candidates. You can meet the first candidate later this month.
“We have six amazing contestants who are coming each to conduct a symphony over the course of the season," Pike said. "At the end of the season, we'll choose our new music director."
They will have 6 symphonies with each candidate getting the chance to conduct a symphony and showcase their talents. As they work to find the right fit, the symphony is asking the community to share feedback on each candidates work. Making the search a community effort.
And with two new leaders on the horizon, the symphony is entering a new and exciting chapter.
"We are in a year of new frontiers, but on the other side of this new frontier are more beautiful sunset and sunrises," Roderer said. "So come join, come be a part of us. Whether it's your first time or your 100,000 time. We want you there. We want you participating in this beautiful human moment of connecting over live music at such a high caliber and excellence."
As each Music Director comes to Idaho Falls, Local News 8 will get an exclusive interview with each one.
