The Vermont Symphony Orchestra (VSO) is announcing the departure of its executive director, Ben Cadwallader, as of February 7, 2020. Cadwallader has been with the VSO since 2015, and has helped the organization grow as a renowned innovator and collaborator among the arts community.
During his tenure at the VSO, Cadwallader not only increased revenue and audience numbers, but he introduced Jukebox, a chamber music project with Burlington’s ArtsRiot and other unconventional venues throughout the state; created a beloved new family tradition in the New Year’s Eve celebration, Burlington Does Broadway; spearheaded collaborations with diversity and inclusivity-oriented organizations and social groups; transformed the organization’s programming; and so much more.
Cadwallader will be leaving for his next opportunity at the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, leading their team as Executive Director.
“The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra is an organization I have long admired for their unrelenting commitment to musical excellence and new music, while also nimbly experimenting and adapting within a changing media landscape,” says Cadwallader. “I’m genuinely saddened to close this chapter in Vermont, but the remarkable people of LACO have welcomed me with open arms, and I’m excited beyond words to roll up my sleeves and get to work.” “We regret seeing Ben leave,” says Barbara Wessel, VSO Board Chair, “but we cannot be anything but congratulatory and pleased for him in this career advancement. When we hired Ben we realized we had a rising star in the symphony orchestra world who would go on to do great things – some for us along his way. We take pride in sending him and his talents on to such a highly regarded organization.”
The VSO will begin their search for an executive director immediately, with Cadwallader volunteering through August as a Strategic Advisor in the VSO’s search for a new music director in anticipation of Jaime Laredo’s upcoming departure in 2021.
In its 85th year, the Vermont Symphony Orchestra (VSO) is the nation’s oldest state-assisted symphony orchestra. With a mission to cultivate diverse cultural communities, the VSO celebrates orchestra music as a unifier throughout Vermont and venues of all types. A proactive music education promoter, the VSO’s SymphonyKids programs offer extensive supplemental learning experiences to students across the state every year. The VSO is a unique shared resource in Vermont, belonging to all of the communities it serves.