my story

The Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1989.  Ron Kindell conducted its first performance at the Clark Haines Theatre in Kettering on December 9. Clark Haines served as interim conductor for a brief time before securing Charles Wendelken-Wilson as Artistic Director. Wendelken-Wilson had previously distinguished himself as a resident conductor with the New York City Opera, Assistant Conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and Music Director of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra from 1975-1985. The Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra matured artistically during his tenure.

Ron Kindell returned for the 25th anniversary season conducting a large cast production of Les Misérables in collaboration with the Dayton Playhouse and director Brian Sharp. To close the season David Deitrick conducted Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with an 80 voice chorus and poet Herbert Woodward Martin narrating Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait. Deitrick served as Music Director from 2015 through 2024.

In 2024 Awadagin Pratt was  appointed Principal conductor. Mr. Pratt is a world recognized pianist, conductor, and violinist. Pratt is guiding your Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra into a new and exciting era that will shape the orchestra’s future for years to come.