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After 24 years, Susan Davenny Wyner is stepping down as conductor of the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra.
Orchestra board President William Mullane said, "Susan has been a joy to work with. She's been wholly committed to classical music and making it accessible to everyone in the community. She's had an undying commitment to outreach to the schools and underserved audiences. I'll miss her and wish her well."
During her tenure with the orchestra, Wyner brought in nationally known classical artists to perform with the Warren orchestra and showcased artists with roots in the Mahoning Valley.
Wyner conducted the orchestra that accompanied renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma when he played a free concert at Warren Community Amphitheatre in 2018.
Her work with other ensembles has been praised by critics in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune and Boston Globe, and she has recorded for Bridge and Albany records.
Wyner also expanded the orchestra's educational outreach during her time as conductor, including the start of the Frank R. Bodor Strings of Joy program that provides free violin instruction for Trumbull County students in grades 3 to 7.
Wyner lives in Boston with her husband, Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Yehudi Wyner, and commuted to Warren for its concerts.
"Susan suggested we concentrate on finding someone closer to Warren and Trumbull County," Orchestra Executive Director Barry Dunaway said. "She feels the last few years, she's not had the time to go into the schools, things we used to do, and being close to the musicians, who are mostly local."
The orchestra will start its search for a new conductor immediately, and Mullane said they hope to have someone in place for the start of the 2024-25 season in the fall.
Assistant Executive Director Leanna Dunaway said, "When we start taking applications for conductor, we'll be looking for someone willing to think outside the box from classical, do something more up to date (like) pops concerts and get back in the schools to do a children's concert like we did before the pandemic hit.
"What we expect from a conductor is to not only conduct, but to make up some really exciting programs and expand on the educational programming to the kids in the schools."
For more information, see Friday's Tribune Chronicle.