Philharmonic hires new executive director
Michimich.com/10308478

PLYMOUTH, Mich. - Michimich -- One of Michigan's oldest regional orchestras, the Michigan Philharmonic, has hired a new executive director who will help lead the symphony as it begins a historic 80^th season later this month.

Joan Walton, a resident of Huntington Woods, was selected following a search that began earlier this summer and included candidates from across the country. As the Philharmonic executive director she will be managing day-to-day operations and working closely with the symphony's board of directors and long-time conductor and music director Nan Washburn.

Originally founded by a small group of Plymouth musicians in 1945, today the Michigan Philharmonic remains based in Plymouth but performs multiple concerts throughout the season throughout the metro Detroit region. Walton is replacing Beth Stewart, a Plymouth resident who has led the Philharmonic for the past 17 years.

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Later this month, the Philharmonic will host its 80^th season birthday "bash," a celebration concert to kick off the eight concerts planned for 2025 and into 2026. That performance will be Saturday, Sept. 27 in Canton at Salem High School auditorium and feature acclaimed cellist Deborah Pae.

Walton has over 25 years of experience in education, nonprofits, the arts and more. She has been a leader with the Belle Ise Conservancy, the Detroit Institute of Arts, Gleaners and the Detroit Zoo. She has also worked for Ford Motor Company and most recently was the director of community and volunteer engagement at the Zaman International, where she helped coordinate the nonprofit's role in the U.S. State Department's "Welcome Corps" helping international refugees.

For information about the Michigan Philharmonic go to www.michiganphil.org or call (734) 451-2112. You can also contact the Philharmonic at info@michiganphil.org.