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PAGE 6 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN November 25, 2021

PLYMOUTH - WAYNE
PLYMOUTH - WAYNE

Philharmonic conductor’s contract is renewed

”
Longtime conduc- Wyoming, Eugene, Berkeley,
tor and music director of the We are thrilled to see Nan Marin, Cheyenne, Dubuque,
Michigan Philharmonic, Nan Perrysburg, Stockton, Napa
Harrison Washburn, has continue in her role Valley and San Luis Obispo.
renewed her contract for three as our conductor and leader. Since 2016, she has held the
years through the Philharmonic position of music director and
2024-2025 season. conductor of the National
As the second longest-running country. place honors from The American Women's Music Festival
conductor of the Philharmonic, “We are thrilled to see Nan Prize, professional orchestra Orchestra which performs at the
Washburn has already led the continue in her role as our con- division. annual festival each July in
regional symphony for 23 of the ductor and leader,” said From 2009-2017, she also Madison, Wisconsin. In 1994, she
organization's 76-year history. Philharmonic Board of Directors served as the artistic director and also guest conducted the NWM
In her role, Washburn has President Christopher Belcher. principal conductor for the Festival Orchestra and Chorus in
steadfastly focused on an innova- “We look forward to more of the Michigan Philharmonic Youth the premiere and CD recording
tive approach to performances, a wonderfully creative concerts Orchestra, an ensemble that she of Kay Gardner's large-scale
deep dedication to engaging with and ideas that Nan always seems founded in 2003 as the work, “Ouroboros.”
audiences of all ages and inter- to have when developing an Celebration Youth Orchestra. A professional flutist for a Nan Harrison Washburn
ests and a true devotion to edu- engaging approach to each of our She has also held the posts as number of years, Washburn
cating young musicians in the seasons.” music director of Orchestra began her studies in conducting Programming from the League
joys and intricacies of all forms of Throughout her 23 seasons Sonoma, the Camellia Symphony in 1984 working with Denis de American Orchestras, Washburn
classical and even pop music, Washburn has led the orchestra in Sacramento, principal conduc- Coteau at CSU Hayward, and remains one of the most innova-
according to a statement from the in artistic excellence and widen- tor of the Channel Islands continued studies with Harold tive and dynamic conductors
Philharmonic board of directors. ing the scope and diversity of Symphony, the Acalanes Farberman for three years at the working in the U.S. today. As the
Earlier this year she was hon- programs while overcoming Chamber Orchestra, the Conductors Institute, and at the first - and only - woman conduc-
ored for her timeless efforts to many challenges including a American Jazz Theater, and Aspen Music Festival as a schol- tor of the Michigan
promote the Philharmonic as the major name change, a broaden- director of the San Francisco arship student of Paul Vermel. Philharmonic, Washburn has
face of music culture in the com- ing to regional reach and a world- State University Symphony Winner of the American Prize become a community icon, well
munity, being named one of wide health pandemic, the state- Orchestra. in Orchestral Conducting, profes- deserving of all the praise for her
Crain's Notable LGBTQ in ment continued. Born in Denver and raised in sional division 2013; the ongoing accomplishments and
Business leaders for 2021, which National recognition for the southern California, the American Prize Ernst Bacon her efforts to mold the
recognized her devotion to orchestra during her tenure Plymouth resident has conduct- Memorial Award for the Philharmonic into a community
enriching all of the cultural com- includes six ASCAP Awards, sev- ed throughout the U.S., including Performance of American Music, jewel, for now and long into the
munity not only in and around eral prestigious grants from the symphony orchestras of professional division 2016; and 19 future, the official statement con-
metro Detroit but across the Knight Foundation and second Richmond, Sacramento, ASCAP Awards for Adventurous cluded.
Wayne welcomes Santa next week

Santa will make his official Claus. A warming fire pit with ny. There will also be a food
visit to Wayne during Holiday Kurt and Angie Jarman of Kurt's truck and a fire pits.
Night at the Museum set for 6 Caps of Wayne will also be avail- In addition to the Wayne
until 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. able. Historical Society and the
The traditional Christmas The event will feature live Downtown Development
Parade will begin at 6 p.m. and music, performers from the Authority, the event this year is
at 6:30 the official welcome of Detroit Flyhouse circus, ice sponsored by the City of Wayne,
Santa to the city will take place carving, balloon twisters, out- the DPW, Parkside Credit
as he is presented the key to the door games, choirs and carolers Union; St. Mary's Catholic
city by Mayor John Rhaesa and and candy and giveaways. Church, The Wayne Dispatch,
members of the Wayne City In addition the event this and the Wayne Westland
Council. The official tree light- year will include a petting farm, Federal Credit Union.
ing ceremony will follow. From 7 hot chocolate, cookies and chil- Events will take place at the
until 8:30 the Wayne Historical dren's crafts at Hill Crest Bible Wayne Historical Museum, 1
Museum will open for children Church with costumed charac- Town Square, in downtown
to meet both Santa and Mrs. ters and a tree lighting ceremo- Wayne.