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Halifax/K’jipuktuk – Symphony Nova Scotia Board Chair David Wilson wishes to share that Music Director Holly Mathieson will be leaving upon the completion of her second consecutive contract in June 2025, marking five years with the Symphony. The Symphony has initiated a search committee under the leadership of the Board’s Vice Chair Margaret Chapman, owner/partner of Narrative Research, to begin the process of selecting Symphony Nova Scotia’s next Music Director. “We are grateful for the time Holly has spent in Halifax,” says David. “She brought a fresh, new perspective to our Symphony concerts, encouraged the performance of work by women composers, and launched the Bernhard Gueller Conductor Fellowship. Her warmth and compassion for our audience, musicians, and community can’t be overlooked. We look forward to continuing a close relationship with Holly in years to come.” Holly began with the Symphony in 2018, following the 16-year tenure of Music Director Laureate Bernhard Gueller. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her first two concert seasons, but her strategic acumen helped produce multiple online performances, champion local artists from diverse musical backgrounds, and keep our musicians working and the Symphony active. 
Holly Mathieson During her tenure, Holly was instrumental in the initiation and implementation of several live and digital initiatives including: Symphony Nova Scotia as one of 10 orchestras worldwide selected for an anniversary performance by the Taki Alsop Conductor Fellowship; the launch of a child-parent centric composition program called the Lullaby Project; digital recordings with Rebecca Thomas, Ben Caplan, and Jah’Mila; the first provincial tour in 16 years featuring cellist Denise Djokic; and the release of audio recording Defiant Dances in May 2024. “From the moment I stepped on the podium for my first trial at Symphony Nova Scotia, I’ve felt wholly embraced, uplifted, and inspired by my colleagues,” says Holly. “The connection with the audience here is unlike anywhere I’ve worked before. When we talk about the Symphony Nova Scotia community, it is not empty marketing rhetoric. I have made dear friends for life, both on and off stage. “The musicians and staff of this orchestra are so dedicated to their work, and so engaged with the mission of the orchestra – it really has been the greatest privilege of my musical life to be the steward of the Music Director’s podium through such a transformational time. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our exceptional Board and Foundation, the indomitable Women for Music, and all of the other delightful people who donate their time, knowledge, and passion to maintain the quality and vitality of this unique organization.” “Working with Holly has been a privilege,” says CEO Chris Wilkinson. “Her enthusiasm for symphonic performance and care for musicians and the art form has been sincerely appreciated. Like many people, the pandemic gave Holly a chance to reevaluate. To that end, she plans to take a step back from full-time conducting to expand on arts strategy and governance work, enjoy a slightly more calm and consistent family life, and continue to pursue a lifelong interest in software engineering. We wish her well.” The 2024/25 season, which will be announced on April 24, features Holly conducting her final concert as Music Director on May 1, 2025 in a spectacular and joyous celebration including Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 and Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Ticket packages will go on sale next week on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 12 noon at the Dalhousie Arts Centre Box Office and at symphonynovascotia.ca.
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