The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) Board of Directors announced the appointment of Galen Wixson as its interim executive director through December of 2012. Galen currently serves as the executive director of The Guitar Foundation of America where he has guided the organization through a transition to a new governance and management model, leading to several new program initiatives. Previously he has held executive director positions with the Austin, Arkansas and Southeast Texas Symphonies, Reno Philharmonic, the Manhattan Center for the Arts, and the American String Teachers Association. Galen played cello with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra in the mid ‘90’s. He says, "I am thrilled to return to Fairfax and look forward to serving the FSO during this period of transition."
Fairfax Symphony President/CEO Elizabeth B. Murphy has been named president/CEO of Leadership Fairfax, effective Aug. 27. She served the Fairfax Symphony for nearly seven years, five in this leadership position. During her tenure with the FSO, Murphy oversaw the search for current music director, Christopher Zimmerman, increased single ticket sales by 10 percent, and increased overall funding by 25 percent.
Thomas M. Brownell, chairman of the Fairfax Symphony’s Board of Directors, expresses his gratitude to Murphy for her service to the Fairfax Symphony and his excitement to work with Galen.
The FSO’s 2012-2013 season performances will begin in September at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts.
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra has emerged over the years as one of the finest regional orchestras in the U.S. and is hailed as "the pride of Fairfax County." The orchestra is supported in part by funding from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the County of Fairfax, along with generous support from corporations, foundations, and individuals.