The San Luis Obispo Symphony's exhaustive search has culminated in the appointment of Brian Hermanson as its executive director. An innovative and dynamic leader in arts and education, Hermanson most recently served for four years as executive director for the Cobb Symphony Orchestra (CSO) in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The SLO Symphony's 10-member Executive Search Committee conducted a months-long process facilitate by the firm of Doug Patti, LLC, Orchestra Consulting to find the right person for the job. 

A trained musician, performing and recording artist, Hermanson received his BM in clarinet performance from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y., and earned Eastman’s highest honor, a Performer’s Certificate.

He has served as an advisor for Kennesaw State University’s School of Music, on the advisory board for a charter music school in the city of Marietta, on the advisory board of The Georgian Club, and as a community representative for Eagle Scout Board of Reviews. He is also an active member of Optimists International. At just 29 years old, Hermanson is the youngest Executive Director the SLO Symphony has hired to date. 

Hermanson founded and served as executive director for the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, and was a founding force for the Cerulean Wind Quintet, which was recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts for it's progressive work in musical enrichment for underprivileged children. He directed After-School Programs for a first-ward charter music school in Houston Texas where he helped win Oprah Winfrey’s Wildest Dreams Competition.

"One pundit noted that the great among us have their idles set a little higher than the rest, thus generating more energy and fueling higher expectations," said Hermanson. "I’ve noted this quality in abundance [at the San Luis Obispo Symphony], and I could not be more excited to be a contributor to it."

Hermanson will relocate to San Luis Obispo with his wife, Alice Ann, and assume his new post on April 15th.

"We are absolutely delighted to welcome Brian Hermanson to our musical community," said Board President Michael Zigelman. "It is very exciting to celebrate our 50th Anniversary Season in 2010-2011 while at the same time welcoming such a dynamic new leader to San Luis Obispo. Brian’s passion for the arts and commitment to collaborative partnerships and youth programs – not to mention the breadth of his own orchestral experience and knowledge – make him an outstanding fit for our needs and goals as we begin our next fifty years of music, education and community." 

Since 1961, the San Luis Obispo Symphony has grown from fledgling community orchestra to thriving cultural presence both in San Luis Obispo and abroad, touring Spain, Australia, and the U.S., and playing such well-known venues as Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

A leader in music education for the community, the Symphony reaches more than 16,000 children every year through its extensive programs.

For more information, visit www.slosymphony.com.