Conductor Timothy Myers will step into the role, succeeding Mena Mark Hanna
Founded in 1977, the annual Spoleto Festival USA is an opportunity for hundreds of classical musicians to audition for its orchestra to perform in festival productions and concerts.
Timothy Myers has been appointed the festival’s new music director, succeeding Mena Mark Hanna, who served the role since 2021.
Hanna will continue working with the festival on artistic matters including curation and management for its May 2024 opening season, according to The Post and Courier.
Myers first worked with Spoleto in 2023, conducting a production of Vanessa. Previously, he worked on productions at Lyric Opera of Chicago, Santa Fe Opera, Washington National Opera, Opera Philadelphia, and the Wexford Festival.
Currently the music director of Austin Opera, he has also led orchestras from across Brooklyn to Beijing, and from Milwaukee to Malaysia.
His projects in the 2023/24 season include conducting The Atlanta Opera, Sacramento Philharmonic, and major symphonic programs at Spoleto Festival USA.
Myers’ appointment at Spoleto also marks the departure of John Kennedy — the resident conductor and director of orchestral activities at the festival since 2011 — whose contract concluded last season.
“[Kennedy has been a ] dedicated steward of the festival’s ambitious classical music program,” said Hanna. “I am deeply grateful for his passion for Spoleto and his many contributions.”
“I am thrilled to welcome Tim to the artistic leadership at Spoleto Festival,” he added. “He is an exceptionally talented musician who is passionate about fostering next-generation talent, producing innovative new works and re-envisioning the classical canon, all core tenets of Spoleto’s mission.”
