In Friday’s (8/22) Roanoke Times (Roanoke, Virginia), Mike Allen writes about the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra’s 2014-15 season, which opened on Sunday with a pops program featuring music from movies, with free outdoor amphitheater seating and “$15 advance tickets to the actual theater seats, which have sold briskly. It’s a nice way for David Crane to begin his first year as RSO’s new executive director.… The 43-year-old father of five described the appeal of taking a job in the region where he grew up: ‘You’re actually able to come and use all the gifts and talents you’ve acquired along the way to help your hometown do better.’ Crane, who plays saxophone, has been orchestra manager of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and general manager of first the Virginia Symphony Orchestra in Richmond, then the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in New York. He replaces Beth Pline, who retired earlier this year…. ‘I’m taking over an organization that’s been well run. It’s in great shape,’ Crane said. ‘The Roanoke Symphony has a lot of opportunities in its future.’… Crane’s first order of business has been getting to know RSO’s supporters, staff and stakeholders and jumping feet first into fundraising. ‘He’s been busy since he’s been here,’ said RSO marketing director Rodney Overstreet.”
Posted August 26, 2014
