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The Central Iowa Symphony has announced the appointment of its new music director, Jim Hannon, who will be introduced at a June 11 evening gala. Hannon is the sixth conductor of the 19-year-old symphony and continues a tradition of close ties between Iowa State’s and central Iowa’s musical communities.

Hannon, director of orchestras at Iowa State University, has conducted orchestras at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse; Belleville, Illinois; Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville; Battle Creek, Michigan; and Umeå Ungdomsymfoniker in Sweden. His joint appointment conducting the Iowa State University Symphony and the Central Iowa Symphony will allow him to continue a close partnership, he said. The two orchestras share music, instruments, and musicians.

“Jim will continue to raise the symphony’s artistic standards and strengthen town and gown bonds,” said Sandra McJimsey, co-president, Central Iowa Symphony Board of Directors. “We’re looking forward to many seasons of great music.”

The orchestra will continue offering a wide selection of styles and periods of music, with pops music at winter holiday and outdoor summer concerts, and a student solo concert in the spring, Hannon said. He anticipates performing music by Mozart and Shostakovich, to celebrate their 250 th and 100 th birthdays, respectively.

Anticipated changes include performing concerts on Saturday evenings, rather than Sunday afternoons and more solo performances by local professional artists. Evening concerts will provide more opportunities to offer attendees a total entertainment package by partnering with local restaurants. Hannon said.

Outreach will continue to be a significant goal of the orchestra, Hannon said. “We want more people to take advantage of the treasure they have in their own community – musicians sharing their talents with friends, families, and neighbors.”

Jim and Tricia Hannon have a two and one-half year old son, David, and are expecting their second child “any minute.”

The community is invited to welcome and congratulate their new community orchestra director at a Country Garden Gala, Sat., June 11,7-9:00 p.m. at the home of Wanda and Doug McCay, 5500 240 th Street. The evening will include a wine tasting, appetizers, auction, and live music by Central Iowa Symphony musicians. For reservations, call Sandra McJimsey at 292-9613 before June 8.