Maestro's Message

As I think about the last eleven years, I have watched the Ashland Symphony grow into one of the leading orchestra's in North Central Ohio.  I am always amazed at the complexity of repertoire we perform. I am also extremely proud of the musicians and what they have accomplished. 

Join with me to plan the Ashland Symphony's next 38 years and beyond by giving the gift of thrilling musical performances by gifted professional musicians along with providing 5,000 youngsters with exciting ensemble visits to their classrooms and exhilarating symphonic performances.  Watch the Ashland Symphony continue to grow and achieve as an excellent arts organization in Ohio. 

Help me create a musical legacy and give a life long gift of music by making a charitable, planned gift to the ASO to preserve the quality of the orchestra and to provide tremendous musical experiences for generations to come.  Planned giving allows you to ensure the vitality of the ASO while enjoying significant tax savings.  Please call the office to talk about your vision for our future.

Arie Lipsky, Music Director and Conductor

Ashland Symphony Orchestra

Meet the Music Director

Arie Lipsky begins his twelfth season as Music Director and Conductor of the Ashland Symphony Orchestra. He will be starting his eighth season as Music Director and Conductor of the Ann Arbor, Michigan, Symphony.

Mr. Lipsky was born in Haifa, Israel, where he received degrees in Aeronautical Engineering and Music before serving as a tank commander in the Israeli armed forces.

He frequently conducts orchestras in Europe, Israel and North America and served as Resident Conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic for 12 years.

Mr. Lipsky has performed as a cellist with the New Arts Trio since 1996 and is Director of Chamber Music at Chautauqua. He was principal cellist of the Buffalo Philharmonic for 17 years and performed the major concerto repertoire in Buffalo and on tours.

He studied with Leonard Rose, Pablo Casals and Alan Harris and graduated with distinction from the Cleveland Institute of Music.

He was a prize winner in the Chicago Cello Society Competition and performed as principal cellist with the Haifa Symphony, the Cleveland Opera and the Colorado Music Festival.