Danville Symphony Orchestra announces new Music Director

DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — The Danville Symphony Orchestra has announced the name of its next Music Director.

The organization announced that Maestro Matthew Shepard will be taking over permanent conducting duties of the orchestra. He was hired after a year-long search process that included over 60 applicants to find a successor for Jeremy Swerling, who retired after conducting the DSO for 27 years.

“I am so thrilled to welcome Maestro Sheppard into the DSO Family,” DSO Executive Director Kay Welch said in a statement. “We took every consideration to heart, and I know that Matthew is ready to take this organization head on. His energy and love for his craft are boundless.”

Sheppard has been involved with the DSO for the last year. As part of the application process, he and another finalist for the position — Richard Zielinski — came to Danville to conduct two concerts of the 2022-23 season each and visit school ensembles and community organizations.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to join the Danville community and continue the fabulous work of the Danville Symphony Orchestra,” Sheppard. said. “The DSO staff, board, and wider community have been so welcoming this year, and we can’t wait to show you what the next season brings to us in Danville!”

Sheppard is the artistic director and primary conductor of several ensembles and youth orchestras in the Chicagoland area, including the award-winning Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra. He has also guest-conducted orchestras in North and South America, including the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra.

People will have a chance to meet Sheppard at the DSO’s 2024 gala, which will be titled “Meet the Maestro.” The fundraising event will be held at the Danville County Club on June 1 at 4:30 p.m. and will include a dinner, silent and live auction and live music from musicians of the DSO.

All proceeds will go toward providing music and education opportunities for the community.

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