Wogick Named New Conductor of the SSO, Wind Ensemble

SALISBURY, MD---The Salisbury Symphony Orchestra at Salisbury University (SSO) enters a new era with today’s announcement of Jacqueline Wogick as the orchestra’s conductor. She is the first woman to lead the 60-member orchestra and only its second permanent conductor. She succeeds SU music professor and orchestra founder Thomas Elliot who retired last semester after 19 years at the University.

Wogick has served as the SSO’s interim director since February, shortly after she joined the University’s Department of Music as a lecturer and director of instrumental ensembles.

“The orchestra is truly one of the gems of Maryland’s Eastern Shore,” she said. “In the semester I’ve been here, I have become so attached to the personalities of the group. I look forward to being a part of its continuing growth.”

Les Simpson, chair of the SSO Board of Directors, said Wogick’s string background would benefit the orchestra and its members: “We’re poised to move ahead.”

Wogick has directed ensembles throughout the Midwest including the Baroque Ensemble and Music Suite String Ensemble and Cello Choir in Iowa City, IA, and Blue Lake International Youth Orchestra in Twin Lake, MI. She most recently has conducted the Syracuse University Symphony Orchestra. From a musical family, she began performing at age 9. As a professional cellist, she has played nationally and abroad, touring with the Warner Brothers Symphony Orchestra, West Virginia Symphony in Charleston, Blue Lake Chamber Orchestra and American String Quartet of Twin Lake. She is a member of the Syracuse, West Virginia and Quad City (Davenport, IA) symphony orchestras. She is also an active recitalist and the cellist for the Calyx Quartet of Iowa City and the Green Oaks Chamber Players in Galesburg, IL.

Simpson cited Wogick’s addition to the SSO as the final step that should allow the orchestra to grow following a sucessful $400,000 fund-raising campaign for a permanent endowment.  A challenge gift of $100,000 from SSO supporter Peter Jackson was matched by $100,000 in other community contributions matched by $200,000 from the Perdue-Kresge Foundation.

“We’re all excited about the future of the SSO,” he said.

Completing her doctorate in performance and pedagogy at the University of Iowa and her second masters in orchestral conducting at Syracuse, Wogick earned her first masters at Northern Illinois University. She completed her bachelor’s in cello performance at Chicago’s Roosevelt University followed by graduate studies at the University of Southern California.

“Wogick brings an impressive background in performance and music education which I believe will serve both the University and the greater community well,” said SU Provost David Buchanan.

Prior to joining SU, Wogick taught and performed at Northern Illinois University, the University of Iowa and Marshall University in West Virginia.  In the summer she joins faculties at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan, Point Counterpoint in Vermont, Iowa All-State Music Camp at the University of Iowa and the Heartland Suzuki Institute at the University of Northern Iowa.  At SU, she also directs the SU Wind Ensemble and is the assistant director of the SSO Affiliated Youth and Collegiate Symphony Orchestra.

“I am delighted that SU has been able to attract an outstanding conductor, talented musician, and excellent teacher to lead the SSO and Wind Ensemble,” said Dr. Timothy O’Rourke, dean of the Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton School of Liberal Arts. “The future of the symphony is in very good hands.”

“I congratulate the search committee on their selection of Jacqueline Wogick,” said Dr. Linda Cockey, chair of the Department of Music at SU. “I know she will continue Dr. Elliot’s record of excellence.”

Wogick conducts the SSO for the first time before a public audience during the orchestra’s annual Spring Concert 2 p.m. Sunday, May 9, in Holloway Hall Auditorium. For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.