Following an international search that spanned two concert seasons, Benjamin Rous has been appointed Music Director of the Charlottesville Symphony at the University of Virginia and Associate Professor of Music. Rous made his official debut on the podium September 23 and 24 with a program that included John Adams’ orchestral fanfare and rhythmic showpiece, Short Ride in a Fast Machine; Mozart’s last completed work, his soulful Clarinet Concerto; and Beethoven’s exuberant Symphony No. 7 in A Major. Shawn Earle, the orchestra’s Principal Clarinet and Lecturer in Clarinet at UVA, was the soloist in the Mozart concerto.  

Rounding out the program was George Walker’s Lyric for Strings, offered as a contemplative response to the University’s call for activities that promote healing and reconciliation across Grounds following the tragic events in Charlottesville on August 11 and 12.

The Charlottesville Symphony is a blended ensemble of professional musicians – most of whom are on the UVA music faculty – talented community members and UVA students from many academic disciplines. At the time of his appointment, Benjamin Rous said,

“I am honored to be joining the Charlottesville Symphony as its next Music Director. It is a jewel of an orchestra with a top-quality artistic tradition and a wonderful relationship with its community. I look forward to building on Kate Tamarkin’s legacy, while experimenting with new ways the orchestra can be a source of meaning, inspiration and joy.”

Rous is also the Resident Conductor of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Each summer he returns to Greenwood Music Camp in Western Massachusetts where he was once a camper himself and is now the faculty conductor, helping young musicians reach their musical potential. An accomplished violinist, violist and harpsichordist, he also maintains an active guest conducting schedule.

-Janet Kaltenbach