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Austin360 blogs > Austin Arts: Seeing Things > Archives > 2009 > August > 31 > Entry
Austin Symphony Orchestra loses executive director
Galen Wixson, executive director of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, has left the organization, a call to the orchestra’s office Monday morning confirmed.
A person answering the phone at the orchestra office told the American-Statesman that Wixson no longer works there. Wixson is also no longer listed on the organization’s Web site as executive director.
Wixson had been on the job only since mid-March.
Jane Sibley, chairman of the board of directors, declined to comment. Edward Z. Safady, executive vice president of the board of directors, said that he was unaware of Wixson’s departure until told this afternoon by a reporter.
Calls to other board members, to symphony staff and to Wixson have not been returned.
Wixson was previously executive director of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra as well as executive director for the Symphony of Southeast Texas, Reno Philharmonic, Manhattan Center for the Arts and the American String Teachers Association.
Wixson has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in cello performance from Wichita State University in addition a master’s in arts management from the Carnegie Mellon Heinz School of Public Policy.
Story developing.
Comments
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By Roma Newton
September 9, 2009 10:43 PM | Link to this
This is preposterous! Any orchestra would be fortunate indeed to have the leadership and direction of Galen Wixson.
Roma Newton Musicians Representative The Symphony of Southeast Texas
By anonymous
September 2, 2009 5:12 PM | Link to this
I have to agree with Mike. I think it’s absurd that someone has this much power to make such a rash decision. Some person or persons is obviously taking advantage of higher-ups being on their side. And after reading “ASO Board offers no explanation for action”, something smells very fishy unless he is indeed proven of any legit wrong doing. It’s very unfortunate that Wixson has to experience such rotten treatment.
By Mike X.
September 1, 2009 9:45 PM | Link to this
Wow! 1 or 2 staff members have that kind of power? If that’s the case, then the ASO needs to get rid of those trouble makers so they can progress. My guess, find out who is close to Mrs. Sibley, and you’ll find your trouble maker/s.
By jane
September 1, 2009 3:29 PM | Link to this
Well, this hit Mon. It’s obvious that Joe et al weren’t ready for this.
By Jerry B.
September 1, 2009 3:08 PM | Link to this
Obviously Jane Sibley has something to hide in all this when the Board of Directors is not even consulted in such an important decision. It is apparent from word on the street that Mr. Wixson was liked by all, save one or two members of staff who must have whined to Mrs. Sibley about their petty annoyances with changes Wixson needed to make to bring that orcehstra into the 21st century. It is just a shame he wasn’t given a chance.