Butler County Symphony Orchestra selects new music director
PENN TWP — Moon Doh was selected as music director for the Butler County Symphony Orchestra at a gala event on Sunday, May 4.
Doh, one of the three finalists, accepted the position and delivered a short speech to the guests at Butler Country Club. He revealed the orchestra’s next theme will be America250, the celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
“This milestone is more than a commemoration,” Doh said. “It’s an invitation to reflect, to dream and to come together. It’s a chance to ask, ‘what does it mean to be an American today and how can music help tell that story?’”
Doh said the season will celebrate different aspects of American musical heritage, from jazz to show tunes to symphony classics to contemporary works. He said the orchestra also will look to expand partnerships with local organizations, such as schools, to welcome new people into the symphony.
He also took the time to thank the symphony’s board and supporters for the opportunity to lead the orchestra.
“The best symphony orchestra is your local symphony orchestra,” Doh said.
Besides the announcement, the gala featured live music from symphony members, as well as numerous fundraising events such as a traditional and silent auction, basket raffles and live painting.
Herb Nichol, marketing director for the symphony, said last year’s gala was specifically to mark the 75th anniversary of the orchestra, but the event was so well-received that they have decided to make it an annual fundraising event.
Before the announcement, Patricia Stagno, president of the symphony’s board of directors, reflected on the journey to select a new music director.
“As you experienced, our search committee evaluated over 100 applicants and video submissions and took feedback from stakeholders throughout the past two years,” Stagno said.
“Tonight marks the beginning of a new chapter in the orchestra’s journey,” Doh said. “A chapter built on shared purpose, artistic vision and a renewed commitment to connect more deeply with our community. To embrace old and innovative programming and to honor the stories of past, present and future that define who we are.”
Doh has served as associate conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra since 2021. Before Pittsburgh, the South Korean native led concerts with the All-State Orchestra of Hessen in Germany. In addition, he was also the conductor of the Under-16 Orchestra of Tonhalle Düsseldorf and regularly coached the Youth Orchestra of Essen.
