The Sunriver Music Festival in central Oregon has announced the appointment of GEORGE HANSON to a three-year term as artistic director and conductor. He succeeds LAWRENCE LEIGHTON SMITH, who recently stepped down following a 24-year tenure. Hanson has conducted nearly 100 orchestras and opera companies in North America, Europe, and Asia, and has served as resident conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (1988-93) and as assistant to Music Director Kurt Masur at the New York Philharmonic (1993-2000). Early in his career he took first prizes in the Budapest International Conducting Competition and the Stokowski Competition in New York City. Hanson continues to serve as music director and conductor of the Tucson (Ariz.) Symphony Orchestra, a post he has held since 1996.
Posted October 21, 2011
