York Symphony Orchestra Welcomes New General Manager

The York Symphony Orchestra (YSO) Board of Directors has appointed Michael S. Reichman as General Manager, effective Jan. 4, 2016. The move marks the second significant leadership appointment in the past year by the local arts organization, which welcomed Music Director and Conductor Lawrence M. Golan in September 2014.

Reichman, an experienced professional instrumentalist, conductor and administrator, was unanimously selected for the post following an extensive national search. He will work with the board, Maestro Golan and Development Director Richard H. Brown to guide and enhance the orchestra, which has more than doubled concert attendance in the past two seasons.

"We are fortunate to have found an individual the caliber of Michael to lead our community's professional symphony," says William R. Hartman, president of the YSO Board and chair of the search committee that selected Reichman. "After reviewing the credentials of several very qualified and interested candidates, we found in Michael a collaborative, relationship-oriented professional with a proven track record in orchestra leadership and business management. He has a keen appreciation for the important role that a professional symphony plays in a community like ours, and he is eager to connect with the York community to take the York Symphony Orchestra to the next level."

Reichman comes to York following a successful tenure as General Manager and Assistant Conductor of Symphony Nova in Boston. There, he served as the orchestra's chief administrative officer and worked closely with the music director to manage personnel, budget and operations while forging several successful community partnerships within the local business, arts, faith and public education circles. He guided the symphony's strategic planning process and provided significant input into fund development.

In 2014, Reichman started the Nova Fellowship, a seven-month immersive experience that includes entrepreneurial training from the Arts and Business Council of Greater Boston and business planning from Boston Private Bank and Trust. The inaugural class was comprised of 10 emerging leaders who are alums of New England Conservatory, Mannes College of Music, Boston Conservatory and Boston University. These individuals performed in all four Symphony Nova concerts and created two of the productions.

Reichman has also served as the artistic director for The Sounding Board, a Boston-based organization that "aims to instigate social change through the arts." In this position, he implemented numerous integrative arts programs with the United Nations, Berklee College of Music and several other prominent organizations and partners.

An accomplished flutist and conductor, Reichman holds a bachelor's degree in music from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and a master's degree in music with a focus on conducting from the New England Conservatory in Boston. In 2013, his work with Symphony Nova earned him one of seven fellowships, nationally, from the League of American Orchestras, which inducted him into their new Emerging Leaders Program.

"I could not be more excited about the opportunity to work with the people of York County to continue the fine work of the York Symphony Orchestra," Reichman says. "I have enjoyed meeting many local community leaders and learning about the YSO's relationship with the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center and other institutions in the York area. I'm very impressed by the substantial success the orchestra has achieved in ticket sales and donor relations.

"The YSO has a rich legacy, and I truly feel there is a lot of opportunity for exciting growth with the orchestra," he continues. "I am very proud to be part of the organization and to join members of the orchestra and the community on this journey as General Manager."

Reichman and his wife, Elizabeth, who is also a professional musician, will relocate to York. His office is located at the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center in downtown York.

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