The Fort Wayne Philharmonic voted Wednesday to appoint a new managing director.
Brittany Hall was the orchestra’s assistant director under James Palermo, who announced his departure last month. Hall will be the first woman to hold the position of managing director in the Philharmonic’s history.
"The opportunity to strengthen the Fort Wayne Philharmonic into its next chapter is an honor," Hall said in a statement released Wednesday.
Hall said her work will include engaging the board in establishing goals and priorities for the orchestra through a process that engages musicians, donors, patrons, community leaders and the administrative teams.
Before coming to Fort Wayne, Hall was executive director at Binghamton Philharmonic in New York.
Board director Chuck Surak commented on Hall's appointment in a statement released Wednesday;
"I've enjoyed working with Brittany these last few years as she has taken on more responsibility and am impressed by her passion for the art form and deep commitment to the stewardship and our donors. She will be a great asset for the Philharmonic, and I cannot wait to see what she accomplishes."
Before announcing his departure, Palermo spent the last year clashing with Philharmonic musicians over contract negotiations. In May, musicians and management were finally able to settle on a contract.
In response to the announcement, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Players' Association issued a statement over email on Thursday.
"Musicians are encouraged by Brittany Hall’s desire to rebuild the Philharmonic’s presence in our community and strengthen relationships within our organization," said Campbell MacDonald, spokesman for the association.
Hall will begin her responsibilities as managing director on Jan. 3.
