SALISBURY — As the Salisbury Symphony navigated through its fifth decade making music, this past season proved a transformative journey.

The symphony embarked on an important search for its next music director, an endeavor that brought the community closer. After a season filled with rich musical experiences and community engagement, the symphony announced that Daniel Wiley will be the next music director. Wiley’s vision for the future aligns with the symphony’s mission to enrich lives through music. His dedication to both classical excellence and innovative programming promises to lead it into a vibrant new chapter. 

“This year was not merely about maintaining tradition but about embracing the future with open arms and open hearts,” Salisbury Symphony Executive Director Hunter Safrit said. “We welcomed five exceptional conductor candidates, each bringing their unique talents to the forefront through a series of concerts that were nothing short of miraculous. These events were more than performances. They were dialogues, engaging interactions that allowed each conductor to communicate with you, our audience, through the universal language of music.”

The candidates that were considered for the role were selected not only for their musical expertise but also for their ability to resonate with and inspire the community. From classical masterpieces to contemporary works, each conductor crafted programs that challenged and delighted, drawing record numbers of music lovers to the concert halls. 

To mark this significant milestone, the symphony invites guests to join it for a celebration on June 29 at Catawba College on the green in front of Keppel Auditorium. It will host a free Jazz in June concert featuring the Rowan Big Band and a Jazz Combo from Livingstone College, led by Dr. Lawrence Quinnett.

The event is more than a concert. It’s a celebration of the journey the symphony embarked on together and the exciting road ahead. Bring chairs, blankets and picnic baskets, and prepare for an afternoon of splendid jazz. 

As the symphony continues to grow and evolve, support remains its greatest asset. The voices and preferences of the community shape everything it does, from the selection of each season’s repertoire to the special events it organizes. 

“Let’s gather on the green to enjoy the melodious sounds of jazz and celebrate this new era together,” Safrit said. “I am excited for what the future holds with Daniel Wiley at the helm, and I am equally thrilled to continue this musical journey with each and every one of you.”