Prince George, B.C.- The Prince George Symphony Orchestra has  hired  a  new  Music Director. 

 

Kevin Zakresky will take the  PGSO into its 43rd season , as the replacement for Leslie Dala who  moved on to  become the chorus director and associate conductor with the Vancouver Opera and music director for the Bach Choir.

 

 “The PGSO was the orchestra I heard growing up, and the thought of returning to be its conductor is an amazing honour and a wonderful opportunity. I have so many plans and so much enthusiasm for this organization, and I can’t wait to get to work” says Zakresky.

 

Considered by some critics as being one of “North America’s rising star conductors,” Zakresky  has completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting at prestigious Yale University, graduating at the top of his class and winning the Aidan Cavanagh Award. Prior to Yale, Zakresky was mentored by Bruce Pullan, long-time music director of the Vancouver Bach Choir, and completed Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in the School of Music at the University of British Columbia.

 

He is well known to northern British Columbia audiences as a conductor, singer, and pianist. He made his debut with the orchestra playing Mozart’s Piano Concerto K. 414, has sung in opera, operetta, and musicals, and conducted last season’s record-breaking run of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.

 

The Prince George Symphony Orchestra will welcome Dr. Zakresky to the community at their Mother’s Day Tea, May 13th, 2012, 3:00 pm.