The Traverse Symphony Orchestra (TSO) Board of Directors made two announcements, including the retirement of its executive director and the appointment of a new Board chair. Edward J. Downing, who has led the organization for five years, will retire effective October 1. Director of Development and Marketing Krista Cooper has been appointed Interim Executive Director while the Symphony Board searches for Downing’s replacement.
Downing e is the President Emeritus of Interlochen Center for the Arts and held the post of President of that organization from 1998 to 2003. A twenty-five year Interlochen veteran, he served as the school’s Vice President for Education for many years. He then led the Traverse Symphony Orchestra through an economic downturn that forced the closing of professional symphonies across the nation.
The TSO board also named Thomas Haase as its new President. Haase’s service on the Symphony board began in 2008.
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Congratulations to Ed Downing for five exceptional years, during which many other orchestras were struggling or going down. TSO not only survived, but actually thrived! There were truly some thrilling musical experiences because of the continued support that meant the orchestra could maintain full status, and present high quality guests. It was the same leadership that he provided to the Interlochen Center for the Arts!