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Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra names new assistant conductor

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Thu, May 24th 2018 10:10 am
After an extensive search process and intensive auditions, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra has chosen a new assistant conductor: Todd Craven.
Currently based in Baltimore, Craven just completed a graduate performance diploma in orchestral conducting at the Peabody Conservatory. He holds a master's degree in trumpet performance from Indiana University and a master's in orchestral conducting from the University of Michigan. Craven is the music director of the Orlando Contemporary Chamber Orchestra and has served as a cover conductor for the Detroit Symphony. Formerly, he was the music director of the Michigan Pops Orchestra and the interim music director of the University of Michigan Life Sciences Orchestra. His primary teachers and mentors are Marin Alsop, Kenneth Kiesler, William Wiedrich and Larry Rachleff.
Prior to his work as a conductor, Craven held the position of principal trumpet with the
Sarasota Orchestra for 12 years and performed as a substitute with the New York Philharmonic and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
As assistant conductor, Craven will lead the BPO's award-winning "Music For Youth" program, which serves more than 50,000 Western New York students each year. Craven will also be on the podium for the popular BlueCross BlueShield BPO Kids concerts and will lead many Pops Series concerts and special orchestral engagements. He will work closely with the BPO's director of education and community engagement to plan future programs.
"I'm looking forward to being a part of the venerable tradition of artistic excellence, dedication to high-quality programming and educational/community outreach at the Buffalo
Philharmonic," Craven said. "I am so very excited to work with Maestra JoAnn Falletta and
the wonderful musicians and staff."
Craven is stepping into the role which has been filled by Stefan Sanders since the 2014-15 season. Sanders is departing after the BPO's summer season to focus on his new positions as music director of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and the Spartanburg Philharmonic.
Craven will start his position with the BPO in the fall.
"The BPO musicians and I are thrilled that Todd Craven will join our conducting team," Falletta said. "Todd has a history as a great orchestra player, and his skills on the podium are superb. I feel certain that his dedication to excellence, his warm charisma and his connection with people of all ages will make him an absolutely extraordinary leader and colleague. We are very happy to welcome him to the Buffalo Philharmonic!"

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