Wildman Steps Down as Music Director for the Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra
Press Release from April 2019
THE MAESTRO PUTS DOWN HIS BATON
Wildman Steps Down as Music Director for the Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra
Maestro and Music Director, Wayne Wildman, announced he will leave the orchestra after the 2018-2019 season. Wildman has been the face of the Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra (MSO) for the last 29 years and will be missed by many. Dr. Joseph Trader, President of the Board of Directors, made the announcement while acknowledging Wildman’s quality service and dedication to the Symphony and wishing him well in future endeavors.
Wildman is approaching retirement with mixed feelings; he shared excitement for time to pursue personal goals and projects, but will also miss the many people who have pooled their time, talent and treasure to create a unique community synergy. Wildman eloquently stated,
“Being part of this orchestra has given me the opportunity to meet wonderful people with a wide variety of backgrounds and personalities. This is an aspect of my career that has changed and deepened my life and for which I am profoundly grateful. And while the story of my tenure on the podium has reached its end, the story of these friendships has chapters yet to be written.”
Carrie Kulas, Concertmaster and Director of Operations for the MSO affirmed, “I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to spend the majority of my musical life working alongside Wayne Wildman. While Wayne is able to make the music accessible to the amateur musician and listener, he is equally able to make it challenging and exciting to the professional. This unique combination has brought tremendous growth and richness to the Manitowoc Symphony over the years. I speak for the entire community of MSO musicians when I say he will be dearly missed.”
Most of all, Wildman said, he will miss leading the music. The great masterworks of Western musical tradition are an invaluable cultural inheritance that we all can share. He asks,
“What could be better than to engage with this wonderful and fascinating art and to share it with the community of one’s friends?”
Peggy Pitz, Executive Director with the MSO, added, “There is a time for everything and I congratulate Wayne on his upcoming retirement. From him, I have learned to appreciate knowledge of classical music and composers and am amazed by his endless musical forte and ambition. His energy at the podium is infectious! I will not forget what he brings to our orchestra. The symphony has truly been fortunate for his leadership.”
Wildman noted, “The experience of the Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra has shaped my life in fundamental ways. I hope that I have helped music to touch your life as well. Whether as fire in the soul or solace for the heart, I hope that music brings the Spirit into your life, now and always.”
Wayne will finish the current season at the symphony and a committee will be organized to begin the search for his replacement.
Whoever it is certainly has big shoes to fill.
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