Christopher Young will take over as the new Executive Director of the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra on September 18.

A Fort St. John native, Young is a graduate of the University of Leeds in the UK, where he was granted a Master of Arts with Distinction in Music & Management. He also completed his music degree at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

The KSO says Young was appointed following a national search conducted by Martin Bragg & Associates.

“[His] extensive background in arts management, music education, and community engagement makes him an ideal candidate to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and excellence,” the KSO said in a press release announcing Young’s appointment.

The KSO says Young’s leadership skills and “innovative strategies” have already made significant impacts during his tenure in the Sales and Marketing department at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the VSO School of Music.

“The board searched locally and nationally for someone with the skills and drive to advance the orchestra and our music school, and deepen their connections with our communities,” KSO President and Board Chair, John McDonald said. “Chris was our board’s unanimous choice.”

“His energy, relationships with music and musicians, and commitment to diverse programming and audience development, are well recognized. We are excited for him to bring his enthusiastic spirit and experience to Kamloops and our region.”

Young, a trumpet player and music educator, takes over from Daniel Mills who returned to Calgary to take a position at Arts Commons, Western Canada’s largest Performing Arts Centre.

“My passion and my background in music and arts management drives my commitment to further enrich the cultural landscape and foster artistic excellence across the Thompson Valley,” Young said, in a statement.

“As a musician and as an audience member, I understand the transformative power of the live music experience, and I am excited to work alongside the KSO’s talented team to cultivate meaningful cultural and artistic experiences for all members of the community.”