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Long leaving Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
DAYTON — After 14 years as the executive director of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Curt Long says he's "ready for some new challenges."
The 44-year-old Long, who oversaw the orchestra through a period of major growth and transition, including its move to the Schuster Center in 2003, began notifying staff, musicians and board members on Tuesday, April 30, that he has accepted the executive director's post of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra in Birmingham. His last day in Dayton is June 20; his effective start date in Birmingham is July 1.
Extras
The Dayton Philharmonic and the Alabama Symphony plan to issue joint press releases May 1.
The Alabama orchestra, which has a "50 percent bigger budget," nine concert series and a relatively new conductor, "has some ambitious plans for the next few years," Long said Tuesday.
Still, he admitted to feeling "torn" about leaving Dayton. "I look back at how far the Dayton Philharmonic has come in 14 years, and I feel a great sense of pride. Artistically, it's amazing how great the orchestra has become."
While Long's work has focused on the business side of the organization, his influence has been felt in all areas of the orchestra's life.
"None of the great things that we've accomplished at the Philharmonic in recent memory would have been possible without Curt's unique blend of a strong grasp of finance, a sincere love and understanding of music and a deep respect for musicians," said DPO Music Director and Conductor Neal Gittleman, who has worked in close collaboration with Long throughout his own 13-year tenure in Dayton.
Dave Bukvic, head of the orchestra's marketing and public relations department, characterized Long as "a balanced and sensitive leader."
DPO Board President Dave Reed said in a written statement that the board hoped to have a new executive director in place before the beginning of the 2008-09 season in September. A search committee, led by longtime orchestra supporter Bill Schneider, is to begin meeting next week.
Wendy B. Campbell, a DPO board member and the chair of its community advisory committee, will serve as interim executive director.
During Long's Dayton tenure, the DPO's budget increased from $2.3 to $5 million, administrative staff increased from nine to 23 employees and total live audience numbers increased to almost 200,000 annually. In addition, the annual fund contributions increased from $520,000 to more than $1.7 million; and the number of educational programs presented annually increased from 446 to more than 1,200.
Before coming to Dayton, Long served as executive director of the Delaware Symphony Association in Wilmington, Del., from 1992-1994; and as an orchestra management fellow with the American Symphony Orchestra League in Washington, D.C., from 1991-92.
A native of Los Angeles, Long is married with three children, ages 3, 6 and 8.
Contact the reporter at (937) 225-7309 or csimmons@DaytonDailyNews.com.
