The Westmoreland Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO) Philharmonia Hires a New Conductor
The WSO is pleased to announce its selection of Jorie Butler-Geyer as the new Westmoreland Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO) Philharmonia conductor. She replaces Morrie Brand, who is retiring from the position he has held since 2007. “I’m thrilled to be a new member of the WYSO family, and I’m looking forward to making music with the young artists of tomorrow,” said Ms. Butler-Geyer.
Born into a musical family, violinist Jorie Butler-Geyer has performed in orchestral and chamber music concerts on three continents and was recently appointed Principal Second Violin of the Westmoreland Symphony. Additionally, she is the first violinist of the Pittsburgh-based Academy String Quartet and regularly performs as a member of the Erie Philharmonic and Canton Symphony. She is also a member of the Grand Teton Music Festival Orchestra, based in Jackson Hole, WY. In 2018, she was Chamber Artist-in-Residence at Strings Music Festival in Steamboat Springs, CO performing as a member of Quartet Bellini. Ms. Butler-Geyer received both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music and completed her Master of Music at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts.
Ms. Butler-Geyer begins her new role conducting the Philharmonia on September 3, 2023, and will conduct the fall concert along with Adam Gillespie on November 19. Young musicians are invited to learn more about the ensemble and apply. The Philharmonia is made up of middle school students playing in an intermediate ensemble of woodwinds, brass, and strings.
“I can’t wait to work with Jorie! She is a fantastic musician and educator with a wealth of experience that will inspire our students and elevate their performance to new heights. We will work in tandem to continue Morrie Brand’s amazing legacy, and my hope is that this is one of many positive steps toward a more vibrant, diverse, and accessible WYSO program,” said Adam Gillespie, WYSO Programs Director.
