“Eric Stein’s dedication to music, especially symphonic music, was reflected in his passionate dedication to the Salina Symphony,” writes Gary Demuth in Sunday’s (7/19) Salina Journal (Kansas). “In the 60-year history of the symphony, there have been just two conductors—Stein and current conductor Ken Hakoda. Stein … founded what would become the Salina Symphony in 1955. He conducted the orchestra’s first performance in 1956 and remained conductor until his retirement in 2003, when Hakoda was named music director and conductor.… As Hakoda prepares Salina Symphony members for their ‘Diamond Jubilee’ 60th anniversary season, he said his goal is to honor the legacy Stein started and continue building a program the community can be proud of. ‘I want a symphony for the people, one that will connect the community with the orchestra through performance and education,’ he said. … The symphony now is housed at the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts … under the leadership of Executive Director Adrienne Allen. The symphony performs five concerts a year on the historic Stiefel stage, along with a family concert and free summer concert. There also are two Salina Youth Symphony concerts during the season, as well as other special events.”
Posted July 20, 2015
