ASO and LPO announce new strategic collaboration

Lafayette & New Orleans, LA – Acadiana Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) announced a new collaboration today, anchored by the hiring of acclaimed music director, Matthew Kraemer, as ASO’s new Artistic Advisor. Mr. Kraemer, who is currently the Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin Music Director and Principal Conductor for LPO, is the central component of a newly formed strategic collaboration between ASO and LPO. This collaboration is widely anticipated to significantly elevate the symphony experience for southern Louisiana audiences of all ages, while exploring opportunities for guest conductors to gain valuable podium time in a new market. The partnership will open doors for world-renowned guest artists to perform in New Orleans and Acadiana, and help to strengthen the quality and impact of performing arts in the broader region. A short video highlighting Mr. Kraemer can be found at bit.ly/MatthewKraemer1.More information and concert tickets can be found at acadianasymphony.org and lpomusic.com.

“I’m delighted to join Acadiana Symphony Orchestra as artistic advisor during this important period in its 40-year history,” said Mr. Kraemer. “I look forward to working with the entire ASO family to ensure this collaboration between our two organizations strengthens the arts in southern Louisiana.”

The strategic partnership includes a three-year engagement between the two organizations, allowing them to share valuable resources surrounding artistic collaboration, educational initiatives, fundraising, and audience development. As a part of this collaboration, Mr. Kraemer will serve as ASO’s Artistic Advisor, while the organization conducts a thorough nationwide search for its next music director. 

ASO Board President, Kohlie Frantzen said, “ASO has a clear vision for moving the organization forward through unity, shared participation, and valued input from its board, staff, musicians, and the community, with the intention of cultivating goodwill and revitalized interest in our mission. He continued, “this new collaboration with LPO will help us advance our vision”

“The alliance with ASO will help LPO broaden its reach in presenting symphonic music to new audiences across southern Louisiana, as well as assist ASO in continuing to provide high quality classical performances in Acadiana,” said LPO Board President, Dr. Bernard Jaffe.

ASO Executive Director, Dana Baker said, “we’re thrilled to have found the artistic leadership we sought to help us move our vision forward, in Matthew Kraemer – who comes to us with years of experience, accolades, and acclaim, and who presents his own unique vision for expanding the breadth and reach of ASO’s. She continued, “and we’re thrilled to be working in tandem with LPO to advance our organizations’ respective priorities.”

“The collaboration between the ASO and LPO will truly enhance the orchestral landscape across Louisiana,” said LPO Executive Director, Anwar Nasir. “We at LPO look forward to working with the incredibly talented members of the ASO family, to make this joint effort a success.”

Mr. Kraemer is quickly making his mark among American conductors for his inspired performances and versatility, and is recognized for his “musical sensitivity” and “energized sense of interpretation”. In addition to his role at LPO, Mr. Kraemer is also currently the Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, and his active guest conducting schedule includes appearances with many of the nation’s finest orchestras, including the Arkansas, Atlanta, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Columbus, Houston, Elgin, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Nashville, North Carolina, Saint Louis, Spokane, Syracuse, Toledo, and Virginia symphony orchestras, the Buffalo and Rochester Philharmonics, as well as Canada’s Mississauga Symphony, Niagara Symphony, and Hamilton Philharmonic.

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