New director set to helm Henderson Symphony Orchestra’s 30th season

After months of searching for candidates and auditioning guest conductors, the Henderson Symphony Orchestra has chosen Alexandra Arrieche as its new musical director.

The orchestra expects to open its season Sept. 16 with a free concert at 8 p.m. at Henderson Pavilion, 200 S. Green Valley Parkway.

“We are thrilled to have Alexandra join the Henderson Symphony Orchestra,” said Kirsten Haas, board chairwoman for the orchestra. “Her passion for music, tremendous background and dynamic personality will inspire our musicians.”

The board was not only looking for someone who could conduct the various concerts put on throughout the year, but someone who had a vision for the group’s future.

“Alexandra offers a fresh perspective, and we look forward to evolving our organization under her leadership,” Haas added.

Born and raised in Brazil, Arrieche has worked as a conductor across the globe. For the last few years, she has been assisting at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

While her parents didn’t play instruments, Arrieche said she still grew up in a musical house, hearing an assortment of music at parties and gatherings.

Her favorite toy was a play piano that was a hand-me-down from her sister. Yet somehow, she managed to play complicated melodies on the toy.

“My aunt told my mom, ‘If she is playing like this on a toy, imagine what would happen if she had the real thing,’ ” she said.

There weren’t many music conductors in Brazil at the time, Arrieche said. However, her mother managed to find her one.

“And the rest is history,” Arrieche said.

Last year, when the Henderson Symphony Orchestra announced it was looking for a new conductor, Arrieche was one of 64 who decided to apply.

“I liked how they were a group of volunteers committed to the music,” she said.

The organization narrowed it down to four applicants, and each was tasked with being a guest conductor. Arrieche was in charge of conducting the live score to the 1927 film “Metropolis” — each year, the orchestra does a live score to a black-and-white movie at Henderson Pavilion.

“It was probably one of the hardest ones I’ve had to do,” she said. “The orchestra was so flexible and fantastic.”

Arrieche said she hopes to expand on the group’s mission, adding, “Just like their mission, I believe music should be accessible to everyone.”

She said one way to see the mission forward is to create a way to connect more students interested in playing music with the orchestra.

This year marks the group’s 30th season.

“We have some very special plans for this year,” Arrieche said. “I’m sure people are going to be very happy.”

Visit hendersonsymphony.org.

To reach Henderson View reporter Michael Lyle, email mlyle@viewnews.com or call 702-387-5201. Find him on Twitter: @mjlyle.