St Louis Symphony Announces Kevin McBeth as New Director of the In Unison® Chorus

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The St. Louis Symphony announced the appointment of Kevin McBeth as the Director of the IN UNISON® Chorus, effective January 1, 2011. He will conduct the chorus and orchestra for the “Lift Every Voice” Black History Month Celebration concert on February 18, 2011. McBeth succeeds the founder of the IN UNISON® Chorus, Dr. Robert Ray, who after 15 years, retired at the end of last season.

Following an extensive and collaborative search process that involved the IN UNISON® Chorus Advisory Committee, President and CEO Fred Bronstein , Music Director David Robertson and Vice President of Artistic Administration Bret Dorhout , McBeth emerged as the unanimous choice. Kevin McBeth, Director of the IN UNISON® Chorus: “I've been a fan of the entire St. Louis Symphony organization since my arrival 15 years ago. I look forward to an incredible future with the IN UNISON® Chorus. It is a tremendous honor and privilege to be chosen. With just a few weeks before our first concert, I'm very eager to get started.”

Fred Bronstein, President and CEO of the St. Louis Symphony: “We are delighted with the appointment of Kevin McBeth as Director of the IN UNISON® Chorus. This past year, the Chorus celebrated a wonderful 15-year history since its founding by Dr. Robert Ray. With Dr. Ray's retirement, we knew that there were big shoes to fill. I'm convinced we have found exactly the right person. The appointment of Kevin McBeth signals the next chapter in the history of this very special group. With Kevin, the IN UNISON® Chorus is in very good hands.”

Harry Moppins, IN UNISON® Chorus Advisory Committee: "As a 13 year member of the IN UNISON® Chorus, I am very excited to welcome our new musical director, Kevin McBeth. I am optimistic that Kevin will be a great leader and is the perfect next step in the evolution of the Chorus."

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