The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) has announced that Maurice Cohn will be taking on the role of its 11th music director as it enters its 85th season. Cohn, who has been selected from a pool of six final candidates after an extensive international search spanning almost two years, will be relocating to Charleston, West Virginia in September 2023.
Cohn brings an impressive background to his new position. He has been honored twice with the Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award and most recently served as the assistant conductor for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. His conducting engagements have included performances with renowned orchestras such as the Cincinnati Symphony, Utah Symphony, Amarillo Symphony, Colorado Music Festival, and Symphoria New York.
In addition, Cohn previously held the role of assistant conductor for the 2022 Aspen Music Festival and will be returning this year. He has a strong connection to the festival, having spent two summers there as a conducting fellow and receiving the Robert J. Harth Conducting Prize and the Aspen Conducting Prize.
Cohn's educational background includes a degree in cello performance, history, and mathematics from Oberlin Conservatory. He also holds a master's degree in conducting from the Eastman School of Music, where he gained valuable experience working with the Eastman orchestras and OSSIA New Music Ensemble.
Expressing his excitement about joining the WVSO family, Cohn emphasized the vibrant energy and passion for music he witnessed during his April performance in West Virginia. He commended the orchestra members and the entire WVSO community for their deep commitment to the transformative power of music. Cohn feels extremely fortunate to be a part of such an exciting project.
Founded in 1939, the WVSO presents a wide range of concerts including classical, pops, family, and chamber music throughout the state of West Virginia. The orchestra has gained recognition for its award-winning education program, which has garnered attention nationwide.
