FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Almon C. Hall
November 28, 2007 President of the Board of Directors

Executive Director Mr. David Wax To Leave the Rhode Island Philharmonic 

The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School announced on Wednesday, November 28, that Executive Director David M. Wax will resign from his position as the Executive Director effective in early 2008. This is a difficult step for the Board who feel that a different form of leadership is required for the Philharmonic’s future growth. He has graciously offered to assist the organization through a transition period. The Board will form a Search Recommendation Committee to review leadership options during this period. Mr. Hall, President of the Board of Directors, elaborated: “During David’s seven year tenure, the Philharmonic – including both the Orchestra and the Music School – has made enormous strides. The Orchestra, under the direction of Music Director Larry Rachleff, now ranks as one of the finest regional orchestras in the country. The successful integration of the Music School into the Philharmonic organization has enabled the school to increase both the number of programs offered and the number of stu­dents served.”

Mr. Hall continued, “The culmination of this period has seen the creation of the Carter Center for Music Education. The beginning of the Center’s construction marks the start of a new phase in the Philharmonic’s history. We look forward to building on Mr. Wax’s accomplishments with leadership to guide the organization to even greater achievements.”

The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School is the only professional mu­sic organization in the country that places equal emphasis on orchestral performance and com­munity music education. Since the Orchestra’s merger with the Music School in 2000, the or­ganization’s growth and innovative programs have attracted increasing national recognition as a model that shows that performance and education can be combined to strengthen the place of music in the community.

Mr. Wax came to the Philharmonic in February 2001 after serving for 13 years as the Ex­ecutive Director of the Houston Symphony. He has worked in the orchestral field for more than 29 years, having served as executive director and in other management positions at the orchestras of Minnesota, Pittsburgh, San Antonio, Sacramento and North Carolina.

Mr. Wax commented, “It has been my honor and pleasure to work for and lead the Philharmonic for seven years, and I look forward to applauding its continuing growth and progress.”