Hunter Scott Safrit to succeed Bucher as executive director

SALISBURY — William M. “Bill” Bucher, who has served as executive director for the Salisbury Symphony since May of 2018, will retire June 30. This was a second career for Bucher, who had previously served for 33 years as a North Carolina public school finance officer.

“I have truly enjoyed the experience of working with Dr. Hagy and the SSO’s musicians, staff, volunteers and board of directors for the past two years,” he says, “and I have a newfound appreciation for the many people in our community who have made supporting and funding a professional symphony for our home community a priority in their lives.”

Bill and his wife Gayla, longtime supporters of Salisbury’s arts community, plan to stay here in Salisbury and remain involved in the symphony and other arts efforts in the area.

“I would like to thank each and every person who has attended a symphony performance or donated to the symphony, particularly during the past two years while I’ve been helping to shape its future. I hope everyone here will continue to value it as much as I do, and to teach our children and grandchildren to treasure the unique experiences that having a hometown symphony orchestra can provide. I have the utmost confidence in Hunter Scott Safrit, and I believe that the symphony will continue to grow and thrive under his thoughtful and capable leadership.”

Salisbury native Hunter Scott Safrit was selected by the SSO board of directors to succeed Bucher in March. Safrit graduated from Catawba College with a bachelor’s degree in music education, and has been a part of the symphony’s staff in one capacity or another for over eight years. Most recently he has served as the associate executive director of the Salisbury Symphony. He also serves as music director for the Salisbury-Rowan Choral Society.