Douglas Whitaker, director of artistic operations at the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, died in his sleep on January 9 at the age of 58. He had joined the orchestra’s staff in 2011 as director of operations and in the summer of 2013 was promoted to director of artistic operations, responsible for all operations as well as pops programming. Prior to working at the Memphis Symphony, Whitaker was at the Naples Philharmonic in Florida, where he was hired as house crew assistant in September 2006 and served as production coordinator from 2009 to 2011. Other members of his family, including his father and a brother, have worked in the orchestra industry as well. Whitaker is survived by his wife, Sania Derevianko-Whitaker, a violinist who has performed with the Naples Philharmonic; children Richard, Danielle, and Craig; and five grandchildren. A memorial service is being held on January 15 in Memphis, about which the orchestra commented, “In consideration of the untimely passing of our dear friend and colleague, Douglas Whitaker, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s administrative office will close today, January 15th at 1:30pm for a memorial service. We keep Doug and his family in our thoughts and our prayers.” The orchestra dedicated a recent performance to Whitaker’s memory.
Posted January 15, 2014
