WINONA, Minn. (WKBT) - The Winona Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors welcomes Erik Rohde as the new Music Director and Conductor.

Rohde holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Conducting from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities as well as a degree in Violin Performance and Biomedical Engineering.

As Music Director for the Winona Symphony, Rohde will select repertoire for and conduct the Symphony in three concerts for the 2018-2019 season, including a Fall Concert, a Children's Concert, and a Spring Concert. 

Rohde has performed and conducted in recitals and festivals across the United States and in France, Austria, Italy, Hungary, and China. In addition to the responsibilities with the Winona Symphony, Rohde is an Assistant Professor and Director of String Activities and Orchestra at Indiana State University and Artistic Director and Conductor for the Salomon Chamber Orchestra. Rohde also performs with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, the Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra, the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra, and is the violinist in the music duo sonic apricity.

"I'm incredibly honored to begin working with the musicians of the Winona Symphony Orchestra, and to have
a chance to reconnect musically with the community where I grew up. I've always had a special tie to Minnesota, and am excited to be a part of the Winona Symphony's long-standing tradition of being a part of this community," said Rohde.

Community members are invited to meet Rohde at the Symphony’s annual Summer Social, Sunday, Sept. 9, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., at Elmaro Vineyard, N14756 Delaney Rd., Trempealeau, Wis. For ticket information visit www.winonasymphony.org.

The Symphony’s final concert of the 2017-2018 season last March marked the organization’s 110th anniversary and the retirement of Music Director, Dr. Don Lovejoy. Dr. Lovejoy served as the Music Director for the Symphony since 2009. He was also the Director of Bands and Coordinator of Brass Studies at Winona State University.