The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra (FSO) Board of Directors has approved Mark Savage to become the next Executive Director of the FSO. Savage has taken over the position and started November 2, 2009. Savage succeeds Linda Frenette, who stepped down on July 4, 2009, after completing three years in the job.

“I’m very excited to become a part of the Fayetteville community,” Savage says, “and I’m looking forward to getting to work as well as meeting all of the FSO family.”

Savage comes to Fayetteville after a successful six year tenure as the Managing Director of the Sewanee Summer Music Festival.  His educational credits include degrees from the Hartt School of Music and the Manhattan School of Music.  Previous management positions include Operation Manager of the Memphis Symphony and of the Indianapolis Symphony, where he managed two recording projects with London Decca records as well as the critically acclaimed 16 day European Tour.  A classical musician before switching over to management, Savage plays the viola and participates with his violinist wife, Susan, in various chamber ensembles as well as the Memphis Symphony Orchestra (TN) and the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra (AL).  “It’s important for me to keep in contact with my playing side.” Savage says. 

Savage was selected after a long, nationally advertised search conducted by a committee from the FSO, chaired by Board of Directors President Les Griffin.  After surviving the first rounds of application screening, Savage was brought to Fayetteville for face-to-face interviews with the search committee and other members of the community.  The process also included a phone conversation with FSO Music Director, Fouad Fakhouri.

“I enjoyed talking to so many folks who get excited about ‘their’ orchestra.  One can’t help but get caught up in the excitement and the thrill people have for the FSO.  The entire time I had wait for the decision, I couldn’t help but think ‘I can’t wait to get there and get started’.”

Currently, Savage lives in Fayetteville as his wife Susan attends to real estate matters back in Tennessee.  “Both Susan and I are anxious and ready to settle down and begin enjoying our new life in Fayetteville.”

Besides his wife of 16 years, Savage shares his home with three Cocker Spaniels and one cat, all rescues.  Savage also has 4 grandchildren.  An avid baseball fan, Savage “has lived and died with the Red Sox for my entire life”.  An avid reader, he also enjoys military history from all periods, especially the American Civil War, and relaxes by building wooden model square rigged sailing vessels over four feet long.