Loria Holden, President of the Newport Symphony Orchestra’s Board of Directors, is proud to announce the appointment of Danial Howard as our new Executive Director, effective July 1, 2024. Dan brings a rich background of administrative and musical experience and a proven track record in orchestral management to his new role.
Previously Dan has been the Director of Operations & Education for the prestigious National Repertory Orchestra in Breckenridge, Colorado since January 2022. Before that he worked as the Vice President & General Manager of the Boise Philharmonic in Idaho’s capital city. He is also a professional trombonist and a music educator who taught in the Boise public school system for more than a decade.
“I am so excited that Dan Howard has accepted the role of Executive Director with the Newport Symphony Orchestra,” Holden says. “Dan brings both energy and experience into the role. He has great ideas to engage with our existing audience, as well as other groups in our community we haven't yet reached.”
In his new role, Howard will oversee all aspects of the organization's operations, including fundraising, marketing, financial management, community engagement, and artistic programming in collaboration with Music Director Adam Flatt. Howard’s vision and expertise are expected to further elevate the Newport Symphony Orchestra's standing as a leading cultural institution in Oregon.
"I am thrilled to be joining the Newport Symphony family!” says Howard. “This truly is a vibrant community and we are going to do some amazing things together."
“Dan Howard impressed all of us with his deep understanding and passion for the art and its role in community,” adds Music Director Adam Flatt. “All of us at the NSO are filled with optimism as we welcome Dan to our remarkable artistic region. I look forward with great anticipation to the building that we will do together.”
Howard succeeds Interim Executive Director John Lavrakas, a longtime member of the Board of Directors who stepped into the role following the departure of previous Executive Director Lisa Lipton in January 2024. The Board of Directors accepted the recommendation of a Search Committee that included Holden, Maestro Flatt, Board Vice President Ken Combs, and Board member Bill Hite. Additionally, a number of community members participated in panel interviews with finalist candidates.
Please mark your calendar so you can join us for our annual FREE 4th of July concert at 4 pm at Newport Middle School and help us welcome Dan Howard to Newport and the NSO family
