Ashland Symphony

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Ashland Symphony Orchestra

History

(1981-1995)

On July 1, 1981, board president James Thomas announced that the Dutch-born assistant conductor of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Albert-George Schram, had been named as music director and conductor of the ASO. Schram’s previous assignments also included being conductor for the University of Washington Symphony, assistant conductor for the University of Victoria Symphony and musical director for a 23-piece show group in Canada.

Schram’s first concert with the ASO occurred on October 16, 1981. The orchestra experienced significant growth under the direction of Schram. Some highlights of Schram’s 13-year tenure included the 1983 performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 in C minor and two fully-staged operas, Hansel and Gretel in 1988 and Madame Butterfly in 1991.

Schram had unequaled support from the symphony’s board of directors and was able to share his passion and vision to keep the organization alive and thriving. Also key to the success of the orchestra was the work of two outstanding general managers, Barb McGovern from 1977-1984 and James Thomas from 1984-1998, and musician personnel director Ron Marenchin from 1981-2003.

In 1994, Schram was offered a position as full time musical director and principal conductor for the Lubbock (Texas) Symphony Orchestra and made the decision to leave the ASO at the end of the 1994-95 season. In order to find the best artist to replace Schram, the board formed a search committee to review applications. Five candidates were selected from a pool of 125 applicants. Each guest conductor selected the program and soloist of their choice within the budget established by the ASO board for the 1995-96 season. Following each of the concerts, the musicians and audience had the chance to evaluate the candidates. The board took these comments into consideration in the selection process.

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