Alexandria — For the last 25 years, Alexandria has enjoyed the beautiful music of the Alexandria Symphony, under the leadership of our highly acclaimed Maestro Kim Allen Kluge.
The city has been very fortunate to have such a widely recognized talent as Maestro Kluge, whom the Washington Post likened to Arturo Toscani, and the Alexandria Journal, in lauding his powerful, dramatic conducting style, commented that it was reminiscent "of such mesmerizing conductors as Artur Nikisch and Leonard Bernstein."
Kim is deeply committed to bringing classical music to the widest possible audience. I had the great pleasure when I was city manager of working with him to bring for the first time ever the Alexandria Symphony to the city's Annual July Birthday celebration at Jones Point. For many, it would be the first time they had heard a live symphony. Kim also initiated the program to bring members of the symphony into Alexandria classrooms, which he knows will help to grow the symphony audiences of the future.
And so, contratulations Maestro Kluge and the Alexandria Symphony for your wonderful gift of 25 years of beautiful music.
Vola Lawson
Retired Alexandria City Manager