New Maestro Takes Yakima Symphony Orchestra Baton

Lawrence Golan

This September the Yakima Symphony Orchestra will be led by only the second maestro in its 43-year history.  Lawrence Golan officially takes the reins this summer from the retiring orchestra leader, longtime Yakima resident, and the orchestra’s founder, Brooke Creswell.  “I’m ecstatic,” Creswell said.  “I think it’s wonderful.  Lawrence has been in the orchestra business since he was born.  He’s an accomplished string player, he knows the industry, and he knows the music.”

Golan, whose father played the violin in the Chicago Symphony, was awarded his first conducting job at 23 with the University of Southern Maine.  He has been the resident conductor in Phoenix since 2006 and music director and conductor of the symphony at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music since 2001.  He’ll continue with his Denver post via commuting from Yakima.  Golan was chosen over three other candidates and earned high marks from the YSO search committee, the orchestra musicians, and local music aficionados.  “The Yakima community can expect someone who is passionate about music, passionate about the orchestra, and passionate about sharing music with the entire community,” says Golan.

In addition to the main stage Capitol Theatre performances, the smaller chamber orchestra shows, and youth concerts, Golan plans to conduct pops performances and family-oriented music events.