The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s (FSO) Music Director/Conductor, Fouad Fakhouri, is appointed the Principal Guest Conductor of the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra (GSO) in addition to his position with the FSO.  The appointment is effective August 3, 2009 for a one-year period. Fakhouri’s duties with the GSO will include conducting the Symphony’s Education and Holiday Concerts, and the first half of the October Masterworks Concerts when Music Director, Dmitry Sitkovetsky, picks up his violin to play Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto.  Fakhouri will also take charge of the Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestras (GSYO) which is comprised of six ensembles and four conductors.  He will conduct the most advanced group which is comprised of highly gifted High School students.  In April, 2010, Fakhouri will lead the GSYO on a European Tour to Munich, Germany, and Salzburg and Vienna, Austria.

Maestro Fakhouri’s primary focus will still be the FSO, and as he explains this is not an unusual arrangement, “I am quite happy with my new appointment. Of course, the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, as my main post, will continue to receive the major part of my time and involvement. This is not a unique position for a conductor; most conductors around the world have multiple appointments with some conductors even holding different appointments in different continents.”

Lisa Crawford, President and CEO of the Greensboro Symphony, became aware of Maestro Fakhouri when she was asked to serve on the grant panel for the Fayetteville Arts Council in April of 2009.  During her visit to Fayetteville, Crawford heard first-hand the enthusiasm and support for Fakhouri and his work with the orchestra from local art lovers and business leaders. “This appointment serves as a testament to the great results and the wonderful reputation that the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra has achieved within the past five seasons,” Fakhouri states.  “I am looking forward to the FSO’s 2009-2010 season and our continued growth, expansion and success.”

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