The Danville Symphony Orchestra (DSO) has appointed Matthew Sheppard as its new Music Director, following an extensive year-long search that evaluated 60 candidates. Sheppard takes the helm after Jeremy Swerling's retirement, who led the orchestra for 27 years.

Having been involved with the DSO for a year, Sheppard demonstrated his abilities during the 2022/23 season by conducting two concerts each alongside another finalist. Beyond his ties to DSO, Sheppard currently serves as the Music Director of the University Chamber Orchestra at the University of Chicago and the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company of Chicago. Additionally, he holds the positions of Artistic Director for both the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO) and the Hyde Park Youth Symphony.

Sheppard's musical prowess extends beyond the Chicago area; he has performed with various orchestras, including the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional del Paraguay, the Champaign Urbana Symphony Orchestra, the Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra, and the Blue Lake International Youth Symphony.

Expressing his excitement, Sheppard stated, "I’m absolutely thrilled to join the Danville community and continue the fabulous work of the Danville Symphony Orchestra. The DSO staff, board, and wider community have been so welcoming this year, and we can’t wait to show you what the next season brings to us in Danville!"