Youngstown Symphony Orchestra Looks Ahead

In Monday’s (9/18) Business Journal Daily (Youngstown, Ohio),  Guy D’Astolfo writes, “As the 2023-24 season nears, the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra finds itself still searching for a leader while charting a course for its future. The YSO has tried out nine guest conductors over the past three seasons while engaging in market research. In August, the symphony society and the musicians reached a deal on a new contract…. Matt Pagac, chief executive and operating officer of the YSO, [said], ‘Hiring a music director is not the end goal. It is the beginning of the future of your Youngstown Symphony Orchestra.’ Continuing to increase attendance goes hand in hand with a bright future, and the YSO aims for lively shows that will attract both longtime ticket buyers and new faces. The season begins Sept. 21 with a concert featuring a most unusual guest artist: drag queen-classical musician Thorgy Thor. It will be the first in a six-concert season that is heavy on the pops … As far as ticket sales go, the YSO is on track to sell as many season subscriptions as last year … The orchestra will attempt to boost single-ticket sales this season as a way of growing its audience.”