More time to make music: Lubbock Symphony Orchestra's David Cho signed on through 2023-24 season
Longtime Lubbock Symphony Orchestra Music Director David Cho has signed on to extend his contribution to the Hub City's music scene.
The Lubbock Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors this winter announced the extension of Cho’s contract through their 2023-2024 concert season. Cho has served as Music Director for the LSO since 2012.
The announcement comes as the LSO began its 2020-2021 concert season, Encounters, in January.
“The LSO Board of Directors is thrilled to extend David Cho’s contract,” said Heather Hocker, board chair. “His passion and dedication to this organization is unmatched, and we are honored to have him here in Lubbock.”
Cho has previously conducted the symphonies of Seattle, Houston, Austin, Memphis, Fort Wayne, Baton Rouge and Shreveport. He has collaborated with many guest artists including Yo-Yo Ma, Renée Fleming, Joshua Bell, Frederica von Stade, Sarah Chang, Daniel Müller-Schott, Jennifer Koh, Leila Josefowicz, Jennifer Frautschi and Alexander Kobrin. After guest appearances with the LSO in 2007 and 2009, Cho was appointed as the orchestra’s seventh music director in 2011 and began his tenure with the LSO in the 2012-2013 season.
“David is a wonderful music director and is actively involved in the Lubbock community,” said Galen Wixson, LSO's president and CEO. “His enthusiasm for our community and education outreach efforts is inspiring. Our city is lucky to have him.”
Wixson said Cho is an integral part of the LSO’s annual education concerts for area students and free family concerts. Cho selects repertoire for these performances that is both engaging and entertaining for parents and students alike. Thanks to Cho’s involvement in the Lubbock community, the LSO is sponsored by multiple local businesses and organizations.
“I would like to thank the Lubbock Symphony musicians, board, staff, and the community of Lubbock for their support and encouragement,” said David Cho, music director. “I am fortunate to serve this organization and look forward to many more years with the LSO.”
Cho was born in Seoul, South Korea and immigrated to the United States in 1985. He attended Oberlin College and Conservatory where he received his Bachelor of Music in piano performance. In 1996, Cho won the E. Nakamichi Concerto Competition at the Aspen Music Festival and was awarded the Arthur Dann Prize at the Oberlin Conservatory. Cho acquired his Master of Music in piano performance at the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University and was then invited by Larry Rachleff to study at Rice University where he served as guest conductor for the Shepherd School Orchestras while acquiring his Master of Music in instrumental conducting. Cho was selected to spend a year as the conducting fellow of The New World Symphony during their 2003-2004 season under the mentorship of Michael Tilson Thomas.
He then spent 3 seasons (2004-2006) as the resident conductor of the San Antonio Symphony. During his tenure as the associate conductor of Utah Symphony | Utah Opera (2006-2011), David won first prize at the Eduardo Mata International Conducting Competition in Mexico City which resulted in numerous conducting engagements in Europe, Asia and South America.
The Lubbock Symphony Orchestra is one of the oldest community organizations in Lubbock. Founded in 1946, LSO is an integral part of the cultural fabric of the South Plains region and is made up of professional musicians from all parts of the Lubbock Community. The LSO seeks to enhance the community we serve by providing quality symphonic performances and educational experiences for thousands of children across the greater Lubbock area.