JACKSON, TN — The Jackson Symphony will embark on a search for a new music director and conductor to replace Peter Shannon, who announced in October that the 2024-25 concert season will be his last.
Selected to lead the search committee is Patrick Teer, physician and decades long Symphony patron. Shannon, who is only the third conductor in the Symphony’s history, will complete a transformative tenure with the orchestra in April 2025, leaving a legacy of artistic achievement and community engagement.
“Patrick Teer is uniquely qualified to lead the search for the fourth conductor in Jackson Symphony history,” said Greg Alexander, president of the board of directors. “His parents, Dr. & Mrs. George A. Teer were instrumental in the founding of the orchestra, and supporting the Symphony has been a family affair ever since.
“Both Patrick and his wife, Jan, as well as his sister, Pattilu and her husband, Steve Raper, are season subscribers, supporters, and advocates for The Jackson Symphony and all its programming.”
In addition to Dr. Teer, the following were appointed to the conductor search committee: Dorris Battle, Anita Hamilton, Leonie Hefley, Jasper Hensley, Keith Herris, William Hutchinson, Larry Smith, Roger Smith, Sherry Freeman, and Greg Alexander.
“Having witnessed my family pour their hearts into The Jackson Symphony, it is my honor to serve the entire West Tennessee community as the chair of the search committee for the next music director/conductor,” Teer said. “Peter Shannon leaves extraordinary shoes to fill, and this committee will endeavor to build upon his legacy of excellence in musicianship, performance, and service.”
What began as a small community orchestra in 1961 has developed into an outstanding professional symphony, employing 65-70 musicians from throughout the southeast. The orchestra’s season includes a seven concert subscription series, encompassing three symphonic presentations, three Pops performances, and one film concert.
In addition, the annual free community concert, Starlight Symphony, draws more than 5000 each season and was recently named the city’s “Best Annual Event” for 2024. As the only arts organization in the region designated a “Major Cultural Institution” by the Tennessee Arts Commission, The Jackson Symphony has experienced year over year audience growth performing for over – more – 35,000 annually. The Jackson Symphony has more than doubled its size in the last six years moving from a Level 8 to Level 5 orchestra with The League of American Orchestras.
The Jackson Symphony is strongly committed to offering a robust array of classical and Pops entertainment options for its audiences. This season the orchestra performed its first live film concert, Disney’s Hocus Pocus In Concert Live To Film, to a sold-out venue.
The orchestra has not shied away from modern classical programming, including commissioning new works, introducing contemporary composers, and bringing a wide variety of special guests to the stage. The Jackson Symphony has been enriching audiences through the transformative power of live orchestral music for 64 seasons. For more information about The Jackson Symphony or to view the Music Director/Conductor position announcement, please visit www.thejacksonsymphony.org
(PHOTO: Dr. Patrick Teer)
