1. WVSOArticle - Maestro Grant Cooper’sAnnouncement
Maestro Grant Cooper,artisticdirectorandconductorof the WestVirginiaSymphonyOrchestra,has
announcedhisretirementafterfifteenyears. He emotionally announcedthis newsata recentconcert
on September19, 2015. “Margie andI have devotedmore thana thirdof our careersto the WVSOand
there isno orchestrawe love more,”saysCooper. “But,there is a seasonforeverything,andwe felt
that the time had come to findmore time tospendwithourexpandingfamilyandtoexplore other
aspectsof my musical imagination,particularlyasa composer.”
To ensure a smoothtransition,Cooperwill be finishingthisseasonandthe nextseason asartistic
directorand conductor. Duringthe 17th
season, six guestconductorswillbe invitedtoconductduring
concertsthroughoutthe season. Once the position hasbeenfilled,Cooperwill serveona more limited
basis.
The West VirginiaSymphonyOrchestraisone of WestVirginia’shighestperformingartsgroupandis
currentlyinits76th
season. The WestVirginiaSymphonyOrchestraisdifferentthanmanyother
symphoniesinthe country. The orchestrahasaround40 orchestral concertsperseason.Twentyof
those concertsare inCharlestonwhilethe othersare performedthroughoutthe state of WestVirginia.
The orchestra performsandpresentsabroadrange of musicincludingclassical,pops,family,and
chamber-musicconcerts.Educationprograms offeredthroughthe WVSO includeYoungPeople’s
Concertsand StringEducatorswhichprovide muchof the string educationinstructioninKanawha
County. Anothereducationprogramofferedisthe SCALEprojectwhichisaSTEAM basedin-school
program that integratesmusicinthe curriculum.
I had the privilegeof interviewingJoe Tackett,the presidentof the WestVirginiaSymphonyOrchestra,
for thisarticle.
Q: Did the announcement of Maestro Grant Cooper's departure come as a surprise or shock?
This season marks Maestro Cooper's 15th anniversary. We have been blessed to have him for
such a long tenure. He will continue with us for the next few seasons, so his announcement
gives us time to plan for a smooth transition.
Q: How has Maestro Grant Cooper changed/bettered the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra
since he became conductor?
It is a different orchestra and institution because of Cooper's tenure. The orchestra musically is
a much better ensemble (having played in the orchestra before Cooper's arrival, this is a
personal observation). The WVSO has also built some incredible education initiatives under his
direction that have grown the WVSO into a state wide education institution.

2. Q: What would you say is the most memorable piece or concert and why?
Last season we tried a "pay what you want" style concert and the results were tremendous. We
had over 500 new ticket buyers, demonstrating there is a real desire to hear the orchestra in
our community. It also reaffirmed our commitment to continue to raise funds to keep down
ticket prices so the symphony can be available for everyone.
Q: What are the steps in place to ensure that a smooth transition occurs for the new phase of
bringing in a new conductor?
We are forming a search committee made up of musicians, board members and others from
the community to review resumes of conductors. Next season, 6 candidates will be invited to
guest conduct the orchestra in concert and from those 6, the hope is one of them will be invited
to be our next music director.
Q: What makes Maestro Grant Cooper unique as an individual and musician?
It is amazing when you meet that special kind of person who is passionate about their art and
yet a genuine, down-to-earth person. That sums up Grant Cooper in a nutshell. While he is
incredibly knowledgeable and intelligent, he can relate great music to anyone. I have witnessed
him keep an auditorium full of elementary school kids spell bound with great classical music.
Q: Does this next conductor have big shoes to fill?
Certainly. The orchestra isn't just concerts. Its community outreach, education programs in the
schools, programs in dozens of counties, fundraising, marketing and patron relations. The next
music director needs to have a hand in every facet of this large organization. Maestro Cooper
has navigated all these items so adeptly the next guy or gal will need to wear many hats
Q: What does the future look like for the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra?
The future for the orchestra looks great! We have re engineered our business model to ensure
financial stability. We have successful touring, education and concert series throughout the
state of WV. We are starting a new series of concerts in Morgantown. We have a great series in
Morgantown and Fairmont. Our ticket sales in Charleston are on the rise. Everyday we provide
string educators in dozens of Kanawha County schools. This is a season for reflecting on and
thanking Maestro Cooper for his leadership in building these programs. The WVSO will continue
to thrive thanks to his hard work and dedication.