News Release
Symphony announces new staff members
07/12/2010
The Walla Walla Symphony
Announces new Orchestra Manager and Development Associate
Walla Walla, WA - (July 12, 2010) Two new administrative staff members are on board at the Walla Walla Symphony. Edward Dixon, Orchestra Manager, replaces retiring Sharon Thompson, and Ashley Akacich replaces Lacey Perry as Development Associate/Youth Orchestra Manager.
“The Symphony is proud to add to its experience and knowledge with the hiring of Ed and Ashley, two talented artists,” says CEO Michael Wenberg. “Everyone is invited to stop by the office and meet them.”
Edward Dixon, conductor and cellist, has performed as soloist, chamber and orchestral musician throughout the United States and Europe and has worked in the Hollywood recording studios. He received his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the University of Southern California and his doctorate from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Formerly on the music faculties of the University of North Carolina-Greensboro and Central Washington University, Dr. Dixon recently retired from Whitman College where he served on the music faculty since 1990 as conductor of the college Symphony Orchestra and teacher of cello and bass, music literature, history, theory and chamber music. A frequent performer, he has appeared as guest soloist with the Yakima, Wenatchee, Walla Walla and Mid-Columbia Symphonies within the state of Washington and has performed at the Aspen, Ojai, and Colorado Music Festivals. He made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1987 and is currently the cellist of the Columbia Piano Trio. Dr. Dixon has conducted the Walla Walla Symphony Young People's and Family concerts, the Mares ‘n Music concerts and has served as conductor for the Walla Walla Community College Foundation’s summer musicals eight times from Camelot to Anything Goes.
Ashley Akacich has been very fond of the arts for as long as she can remember and began classical ballet lessons at the age of 3. After training at the Mid-Columbia Ballet in Richland for 10 years under the direction of Debra Rogo, she went on to dance professionally with the California Ballet Company in San Diego. After returning to Washington, Miss Akacich completed her bachelor’s degree in mass communications/public relations at Walla Walla University. In addition to working with the symphony, Ashley teaches ballet at the Walla Walla Dance Center with Idalee Hutson-Fish. Miss Akacich is also the proud mother of 2-year-old Isabella.
The Walla Walla Symphony, the oldest continuously operating symphony west of the Mississippi, has been under the artistic leadership of Music Director and Conductor Yaacov Bergman since 1987, and has performed in Cordiner Hall on the Whitman College campus since 1967. The Symphony is recognized for its adventurous programming, school programs, and tradition of performing original compositions. From October through June, the Walla Walla Symphony plays or sponsors concerts in a schedule that includes a mix of symphony concerts, chamber concerts, special concerts and a Discovery series exploring music traditions from around the world. For more information, visit the Symphony’s website at www.wwsymphony.org or call the symphony office at 509-529-8020.