Warren Philharmonic Orchestra is announcing the appointment of Dr. Christopher M. Cicconi as conductor and music director. Cicconi brings an extensive background in music education, orchestral conducting and community engagement.
“The appointment of Chris Cicconi as WPO conductor is an important step forward as the orchestra continues its work to bring classical music to our constituents in a way that is exciting, educational and fun for audiences of all ages,” said William Mullane, board president. “Chris is the perfect candidate to provide outreach to our area’s schools and their music programs and to explore new outreach initiatives across our Valley.”
Warren Philharmonic Orchestra will perform two concerts for its 2024-25 season. Performances occur at First Presbyterian Church, 256 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren 44483. Concerts begin at 7 p.m.
Warren Philharmonic opens its 57th season on Saturday, Nov. 9 with “Songs and Dances.” The concert features Richard Strauss’ “Overture to Die Fledermaus,” Gabriel Fauré’s “Pavane,” Arturo Márquez’s “Danzon No. 2” and Antonin Dvorak’s “Symphony No. 8.”
The spring concert, “The Places You’ll Go,” is set for Saturday, April 26. The performance will feature Franz Liszt and Karl Doppler’s “Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2,” Frank Ticheli’s “An American Elegy: Escapades for Alto Saxophone, Vibraphone, Bass and Orchestra,” Amilcare Ponchielli’s “Dance of the Hours,” Astor Piazzola’s “Libertango” and George Gershwin’s “American in Paris.”
Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students. Children under 12 are admitted free with an adult. Tickets can be purchased at the door. For subscription packages or for more information, visit here, call 330-399-3606 or email wa*****************@gm***.com.
“As a native of Northeast Ohio, I am thrilled and honored to return home to the Valley to work with such a fantastic organization and world-class musicians,” said Cicconi. “As a passionate music educator and orchestral conductor, I am excited to immerse myself into the rich history of music education in the area and work to bring the Warren Philharmonic’s performances to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. I truly hope you will join us for what is going to be an extremely exciting season!”
Cicconi is recognized as a strong advocate for music education and community outreach. The Maryland educator is in high demand throughout the Mid-Atlantic region as a guest conductor, clinician and speaker. Cicconi has appeared as an orchestra and band clinician in over 100 public and private institutions. He is recipient of Corwin Taylor Music Education Leadership and Outstanding Music Educator awards.
Cicconi is director of bands and professor of wind conducting at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va., where oversees the university’s comprehensive band program, teaches courses in conducting and wind ensemble literature and advises masters and doctoral conducting students.
This fall, Cicconi will begin his tenure as director of bands and professor of music at James Madison and continues as principal conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Cicconi has a doctorate in instrumental conducting from the University of Miami, a master’s in music education from Arizona State University and a bachelor’s in music education from Youngstown State University.
He is a member of College Band Directors National Association, National Association for Music Education, Pi Kappa Lambda and an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.
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