Music

Alexandria Symphony Appoints New Director for Sympatico Program

The music education program resumes in-person instruction this fall

Meredith Riley, ASO Sympatico’s new Director of Education (Photo courtesy Alexandria Symphony Orchestra)

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra‘s  award-winning music education program Sympatico serves students at Patrick Henry and John Adams Elementary. When the program resumes in-person instruction this fall, it will have a new Director of Education. Meredith Riley, who has experience as a musician and teacher, was recently appointed to the position.

“After all the screen time and the complete absence of social engagement and live performance, our community needs live music now!” Riley said. “I will be actively seeking performance and collaboration opportunities to highlight this important and unique program that is so deserving of community recognition and support.”

She plans to strengthen Sympatico’s connection to its El Sistema roots and actively seek performance and collaboration opportunities to highlight this unique program. It is expected to reach 180 students this school year.

For 15 years Riley has worked with the Sphinx Organization, dedicated to the development of young Black and Latino classical musicians. In addition, She appeared with the Chamber Music Society of Central Virginia, Wintergreen Music Festival, Collectif 9, and the Smithsonian Chamber Players.

Riley is an adjunct violin faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University.

“Meredith’s musicianship and gift for working with young people will help us take ASO Sympatico to the next level,” said ASO Executive Director George Hanson. “The kids will be able to see her perform onstage as a member of ASO, deepening the opportunity for musical connection.”

Alexandria Health Department Offering Free Flue Shots Oct. 2

 

Kevin Dauray

Kevin is Publisher's Assistant with The Zebra Press. He has been working for Alexandria's "Good News" newspaper since 2019. A graduate of George Mason University, he earned a bachelor's in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. He also studied at the Columbia School of Broadcasting and holds a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University. He is an alumnus of T.C. Williams High School. Go Titans!

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Back to top button