The six-show season features new guest artists, local photography and the return of OSO staples, such as the Christmas concert, “Holiday Pops.”
All concerts are at the RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess St., unless otherwise noted.
The season begins with “Vizzutti,” at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 21, featuring trumpeter and composer Allen Vizzutti.
He will perform a blend of jazz and classical music with the OSO, including his own “Rising Sun Concerto.” Other selections include Tchaikovsky’s folksy fantasy, “Capriccio Italien,” which was inspired by a trip to Rome.
The Kentucky Opera, which has previously worked with the OSO, will join the group for Puccini’s “La Boheme,” a four-act love story set in 1830s Paris. It is at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 19.
“Holiday Pops,” with Ben Utecht — a vocalist, Super Bowl champ and former Indianapolis Colts tight end — is at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 15.
“History” features the Kentucky premiere of Stephenson’s “Two Brothers,” with narrators Todd Reynolds, a local actor and programming director at the Owensboro Museum of Science and History, and Gary Sandy, an actor best known for his role as Andy Travis on “WKRP in Cincinnati.” It is at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 8.
Other “History” compositions include John Williams’ music from the film “Lincoln,” and a week-long celebration of the Civil War, Palmer said.
The OSO will offer “Motown,” a pops concert showcasing music from the heyday of Detroit’s Motown Records, at 7:30 p.m. on March 15 at the Owensboro Convention Center, 501 W. Second St.
The season will close with the spotlight on Owensboro.
“Visions” incorporates photos of the city by audience members and other local residents during Barry’s “Snapshot.” Other selections include one by the Owensboro Symphony chorus and Debussy’s “Afternoon of a Faun” and “La Mer,” during which local artist Aaron Kizer will speed paint. It is at 7:30 p.m. on April 12, 2014.
Palmer said he sought variety in choosing the new season to showcase the OSO’s range.
“Each concert has something for new listeners as well as long-time subscribers,” he said. “Each is unique and special.”
Season tickets are available at $190 for Section A seating, $145 for Section B and $78 for Section C. Subscribers receive invitations to private OSO events, priority seating, a payment plan option and other bonuses. First-time subscribers receive a 50-percent discount. For more information or to buy tickets, call the OSO at 684-0661 or see theoso.com.

OSO Executive Director, Bill Price announces retirement

After nearly eight years in what began as an interim position, William “Bill” Price has announced his retirement as the executive director of the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, effective July 1.
Price, a Louisville native, moved to Owensboro about 30 years ago when he became the senior vice president and chief financial officer of Owensboro Health Regional Hospital.
Price served on the OSO board for years until he was hired as interim executive director in November 2005, around the time he retired from the hospital.
“My background is totally in finance, but running any business takes the same skills,” he said. “Keeping that in mind made the transition to the symphony easier for me. It’s been fun.”
Price said seeing the process of the OSO developed his interest in music.
“It’s great to see a community so supportive of the symphony,” he said. “Everyone enjoys and relates to music. That’s become so clear to me since I’ve been involved in a closer way.”
Price said his focus was on keeping the OSO in the black, or maintaining a balanced budget.
“Orchestras across the country are closing or trying to find their way out of debt,” he said. “It’s sad to see, but the OSO has always prided itself on having a balanced budget.”
Despite a strong, knowledgeable staff, though, Price said that wasn’t always easy.
“When the economy turned, people had to stop donating, sponsors weren’t able to contribute as much,” he said. “But we appreciate what they were able to do, and I’m glad to say we’re in great financial shape. Part of that is because of the staff. Everyone has specific roles, but we jump in wherever we’re needed.”
Aside from strength in crunching numbers, the five-member full-time staff commended Price for his modesty and personable nature.
“He’s helped build strong relationships between the staff and the musicians,” said Conductor Nick Palmer. “When the musicians are happy, the organization is better. He made it a point to get to know them, and he remains proactive.”
Price also focused on the OSO’s supporters.
“Since he’s been here, we’ve done much more toward opening up relations with our patrons,” said Director of Finance and Administration Gwyn Payne. “Bill’s a proponent of being hospitable, and that’s important to us and our guests.”
Payne is on the search committee for a new executive director. She said the committee hasn’t chosen any prospects, and the search process is in the “very primary stages.”
“We want the next director to spend a few weeks shadowing Bill to really learn about the position — he has big shoes to fill,” she said. “But we’re all happy he and Deb will have time for themselves. They deserve it.”
Price said he and his wife, Deborah, will travel more. And they’re eager to spend more time with their five grandsons, who range in age from 1 month to 15 years old. They’re ready to cheer the boys on at their many games, he said.
Though he’ll continue to go to OSO concerts and remain on a few boards in the community, Price said he’s interested to see how else he’ll fill his free time.
“I’m excited, and I’m scared to death,” he said. “That happens when you get used to your work. But my wife said I can’t sit in front of the TV all day, so I’ll have to find something.”
Price smiled, remembering the fun times he had with his OSO colleagues. They are like family now, he said.
Carl Davis, the operations manager, said though they will keep in touch, he will miss Price being around the office.
“I’ve gotten to know him well, so we joke on each other a lot,” Davis said. “If he ever gets tired of retirement, I guess we’ll take him back.”