The Kamloops Symphony has named its new executive director, who will begin his role there on Sept. 18.
On Tuesday, the KSO announced Christopher Young as its next executive director, replacing Daniel Mills, who departed the organization in May.
Young was born and raised in Fort St. John and earned a master of arts degree with a distinction in music management from the University of Leeds in the U.K.
KSO president and board chair John McDonald lauded Young's background in arts management, music education and community engagement.
"[Young] was our board's unanimous choice. His energy, relationships with music and musicians, and commitment to diverse programming and audience development, are well recognized. We are excited for him to bring his enthusiastic spirit and experience to Kamloops and our region," McDonald said.
Among Young's past work includes work with Opera North, the Leeds International Piano Competition, Leeds Lieder and Leeds Baroque. He also worked in marketing at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the VSO School of Music.
Young, a trumpet player, earned his music degree at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, where he studied with renowned Canadian and international musicians.
"My passion and my background in music and arts management drives my commitment to further enrich the cultural landscape and foster artistic excellence across the Thompson Valley," Young said in a statement released by the symphony.
The symphony's next performance will be on Sept. 23, presenting Rhapsody in Blue, featuring conductor Dina Gilbert, pianist Daniel Clarke-Bouchard and soprano Rachel Casponi.
