Executive Director Brandon VanWaeyenberghe

Dirk Meyer’s Biography, continued

Orchestras, as well as the Music Director positions with the Mason Symphony Orchestra in Michigan.

Meyer has studied with teachers like Neeme Järvi and Jorma Panula and, in addition, he assisted with numerious productions at the Deutsche Oper am Rhein (Germany),as well as at the Vienna State Opera (Austria) and the Teatro Real in Madrid (Spain).

He holds Doctor of Musical Arts and Masters degrees in orchestral conducting from Michigan State University, where he worked with Leon Gregorian and Raphael Jimenez. Here he also worked as Graduate Teaching Assistant. His Bachelor’s Degrees are from the Folkwang Conservatory in Germany (music) as well as University Duisburg-Essen (philosophy).

What a first season! A little over a year ago, I was standing on the Allete stage, introducing myself to Duluth and welcoming everyone to the start of our 2019-20 Season. And now, I am writing to you as we measure out six feet from every chair on stage and invest in an infrastructure to bring our performances directly into your home. I can certainly say that I have learned a lot in my first year in Duluth – what roads to not travel after a snowstorm, the best patio to enjoy the summer breeze, and the details of the HVAC system at the DECC. Overall, the best thing I have learned is summed up in one word – resilience. After our season was forced to cancel, we worked with our musicians to continue to bring music to the Northland. Through a loan from the Payroll Protection Plan program, we were able to provide up to 80% of the wages lost to our musicians from the cancelled concerts. The musicians allowed us to rebroadcast four performances on WDSE, start a new partnership with KUWS and WPR for weekly radio broadcasts of archival recordings and create DSSO at Home, where on-demand performances were available for free. The latter element is the groundwork for our virtual performances, which is how some of you will be enjoying tonight’s concert.

Though at times it was uncertain exactly how, our goal has always been the same – to produce and perform great works of music that inspire you, no matter the program or the venue. We are very happy to be able to launch our fall season and welcome our musicians and our patrons. Your support and enthusiasm have kept us focused during the summer, and we cannot wait for us to be back together in full force for a concert in the future. Sit back and enjoy our concerts, and thank you for your continuing to invest in the DSSO.

BRANDON VANWAEYENBERGHE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WELCOME LETTER

Brandon VanWaeyenberghe, Executive Diretor Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra