Press:
Symphony announces new music director, conductor
From staff reports
May 6, 2019
The 54th season of the Western Piedmont Symphony, “The Maestro Challenge”, was dedicated to finding WPS’ new Music Director and Conductor to supersede John Gordon Ross, who led the Symphony for 27 years.
At “May the Fourth Be With You” on Saturday night, the winner was announced to be Maestro Matthew Thomas Troy.
Troy is a conductor with a mission to make classical music accessible to everyone and to program concerts that are socially meaningful and relevant.
Troy has held the position of music director and conductor of the Piedmont Wind Symphony since January 2015, where he has transformed this organization and received many accolades for these successes. Troy also serves as education conductor with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, where he conducts the Discovery Family Series, educational concerts, Carnegie Hall’s Link Up concerts, and other outreach efforts.
Recently, he made his subscription series debut with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, to wide acclaim. He has led performances with many internationally renowned pops and classical artists including Jennifer Koh, Ben Folds, Boyz II Men, Pink Martini, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Midori, Judy Collins, Anthony Dean Griffey, Eileen Ivers, The Wailers, Dmitry Vorobiev and many others.
Maestro Troy is known for innovative programming, deep community involvement, support for music education, and his unique ability to make classical music engaging and relevant to today’s audiences, while creating an instant rapport with both orchestras and audiences.
The Western Piedmont Symphony is very excited for this new era in its history. You can catch Troy at the Western Piedmont Symphony’s upcoming Summer Pops concert on July 20th at 6 p.m. on the North Lawn of the SALT Block.
For more information about the Western Piedmont Symphony, call 828-324-8603, visit WPSymphony.org, or email info@WPSymphony.org.
On Oct. 7, Maestro Matthew Troy graced the Civic Center podium, leading the OKC Philharmonic’s second Classics concert of the series. Joined by stunning violinist Jennifer Koh, the Philharmonic offered patrons an exciting, eclectic program consisting of Rossin’s “Barber of Saville Overture,” Barber’s “Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 14,” Wagner’s Prelude and Liebestod from “Tristan und Isolde,” and Paul Hindemith’s “Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber.”
Troy, director of the Phil’s Educational Outreach programs led the orchestra with great clarity and energy. The ensemble performed exceedingly well under his baton, and with the exception of few rhythmically precarious moments (understandable, and easily forgivable, given the perilous challenges of this particular program), the group was remarkably unified in enthusiasm, direction of phrase and musical spirit.
http://newsok.com/eclectic-philharmonic-program-brings-energy/article/5569389
Western Piedmont Symphony
Review: by W. Gerald Cochran, music critic
May 15, 2021
“The Western Piedmont Symphony bloomed like a budding flower in all its glory.”
“Tonight’s performance was lively and exuberant, full of Mozart’s spirit.”
“The performance was one of the most inspired I have seen and heard from this orchestra…”
“It was vivacious and full of life, and Music Director Matthew Troy, brought out the very best in his ensemble tonight”
“It was a thrilling performance.”
Western Piedmont Symphony
Review: by W. Gerald Cochran, music critic
April 24, 2021
“The orchestra, reduced in size to accommodate social distancing rules, presented a most unusual and fascinating concert.”
“Einstein’s Dream…expertly performed by the ensemble.”
“Tonight’s concert was probably one of the most diverse and eclectic that I can remember this orchestra ever doing. It was superbly performed, and although much of the music was from the 20th and 21st centuries. It was very listenable, enjoyable, and entertaining. Among other things, it shows that modern music is not to be feared. The members of the orchestra are to be congratulated for their exceptionally fine performance of some rather technically, difficult music.
Western Piedmont Symphony
Review: by W. Gerald Cochran, music critic
March 6, 2021
“This performance is one of the best I have seen or heard and is awe inspiring.”
“Their sound was gorgeous, and their playing exuded the excitement and enthusiasm that they were once again able to perform for a live audience.”
Western Piedmont Symphony
Review: by W. Gerald Cochran, music critic
February 1, 2020
“Words cannot adequately describe what was heard at this concert. This was difficult music to perform, and the many hours of hard work that were put into preparation were obvious in the stellar performance.
“Rarely has this orchestra provided such a spectacular performance as was seen and heard on this night”