Amarillo Symphony Executive Director Corey Cowart To Lead San Antonio Symphony

The Amarillo Symphony announced today that Corey Cowart, its Executive Director, will step down from his role in December to join the San Antonio Symphony as Executive Director. Cowart, who has been leading the organization since June 2015, will begin his new post in January 2019.

Cowart's tenure brought noteworthy artistic and financial growth to Amarillo's oldest performing arts organization. Among the Orchestra's achievements during Cowart's tenure are the establishment of the Happy Holiday Pops concerts, commissioning major works from Amarillo Symphony's Composer-In-Residence Chris Rogerson, and the incorporation of the Greater Southwest Music Festival into the Symphony's portfolio of education initiatives.

Under Cowart's administrative leadership, the Amarillo Symphony has achieved a continued track record of financial success. Since 2015, the orchestra's budget has grown 20%, annual contributed revenue has grown over 60%, earned revenue has grown 40%, and the Symphony audience has grown 30%. The orchestra has become recognized as a symbol of excellence in the Texas Panhandle, progressing towards its ultimate vision to inspire our community through shared musical experience.

"Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of working with a wonderful and dedicated team of staff, musicians, board members, and volunteers who have collectively accomplished a great deal for the Amarillo Symphony," said Cowart. "Under Jacomo's leadership, more and more people are regularly engaging with the orchestra and proving that this community values what we do on stage and off. My wife, Jennifer, and I are thankful to the many Amarillo Symphony family members who have supported us and who will continue to support this organization, which we will always admire."

"Corey is a true collaborator allowing people room for growth, to shine and be the best versions of themselves," said Music Director Jacomo Bairos. "He has been a great personal confidant, supporter, as well as dear friend. I could not have had a better partner for the journey we are on in Amarillo. We wish him nothing but love and success."

"On behalf of the Board, I thank Corey for his stewardship of the Amarillo Symphony," stated Amarillo Symphony Board President Adair Buckner. "Corey has been a tremendous partner and executive leader for the Amarillo Symphony. The past three plus years have been a mutually rewarding experience for Corey and the Symphony. The Board and I have enjoyed working with Corey, thank him for his leadership, and applaud him on his appointment in San Antonio."

About the Amarillo Symphony

Founded in 1924, the mission of the Amarillo Symphony is enriching life in the Texas Panhandle through great orchestral performance and educational and community engagement. The Amarillo Symphony is the only professional orchestra in the Texas Panhandle and offers an array of successful youth educational programs in addition to regularly scheduled concerts.