EarRelevant Staff | 13 AUG 2024
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee— The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera (CSO) has named Ilya Ram its new Music Director, concluding a two-year search for a new artistic leader. Ram, the fourth person to hold this position in the CSO’s 91-year history, will initially serve as Music Director Designate before officially starting his three-year tenure in the 2025-26 season, extending through the 2027-28 season.
Known for his charismatic and energetic performances, Ram has been gaining international recognition across North America and Europe. He is also currently the Music Director of the Akademische Philharmonie Heidelberg in Germany, a role he began in the 2023-24 season. Ram is praised for his innovative approach to classical music and is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective to the CSO.
“This is the beginning of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera’s next act,” said Amy Mahone, Chair of the CSO Board of Directors. “We are thrilled to welcome Ilya Ram as our next Music Director. Together with our talented musicians and our Executive Director, Susan Caminez, we look forward to a bright future for the CSO.”
CSO Executive Director Susan Caminez expressed excitement about Ram’s appointment, noting his passion and global perspective. “Ilya brings an exuberance to everything he does. His desire to connect with the community and his ability to showcase our musicians impressed us during his visit last November,” Caminez said. “We are eager to see where his leadership takes us next.”
Ram expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, saying, “I am absolutely elated to be the next Music Director of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera and to make Tennessee one of my musical homes! From the very first interview to our concert last November, I felt an immediate connection and great joy performing with the orchestra. I am looking forward to getting to know the Chattanooga community and becoming a part of it.”
Ram will lead the CSO in its 2024-25 season opener on September 26, which will feature Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, Chopin’s Les Sylphides, Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with pianist Steven Beck, and Atlantic Overture by Matthew Kimbley.
For more information about the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, visit their website. ■
EXTERNAL LINKS:
- Chattanooga Symphony & Opera: chattanoogasymphony.org
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