Welcome to Our New Executive Director!

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Orlando Philharmonic New Executive Director Arrives in Orlando

(August 2, 2016, Orlando, FL) – The Orlando Philharmonic is pleased to announce the arrival of new Executive Director Christopher Barton in Orlando. “It is with great anticipation that we welcome Chris to our vibrant Central Florida arts community and our Orlando Phil family,” said RK Kelley, President of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s Board of Directors. “Chris’s experience and thoughtful approach provide a harmonious complement to the dynamic vision of Music Director Eric Jacobsen, who joined the Phil last year. I’m excited to work with this talented team.”

Christopher Barton previously served as the executive director of the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra since 2014. Prior to that he worked for the College of Arts and Architecture at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, and the North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. He holds a Master’s Degree in Arts Administration from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina and a Bachelor of Music Industry Studies from the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University.

“I’m overjoyed to be the new executive director of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra at the start of the twenty-fourth season,” said Barton. “Eric has programmed an exciting season of music for both our musicians and audiences. With Phase 1 renovations at The Plaza Live completed our team has a beautiful and versatile space in which to work, rehearse, and perform. I look forward to working with Eric and the musicians, board, staff, and volunteers to continue the momentum of the organization. My wife Angela and I are delighted to be in Orlando and are eager to get involved with the Central Florida community.”

Christopher Barton and his family moved to Orlando from Flagstaff, Arizona in late July.