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THUNDER BAY -- The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra's board of directors has ended a two-year search for a new music director with the appointment of Paul Haas.
Haas is the founder and artistic director of Sympho, a New York-based contemporary music ensemble dedicated to creating and performing what's described as "radically engaging musical experiences in unusual venues and unexpected contexts."
He is the former music director of the New York Youth Symphony, and most recently held the same position with the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas in the city of Fayetteville.
Haas succeeds Arthur Post who ended his seven-season tenure with the TBSO in April.
He was one of seven candidates for the Thunder Bay Symphony posting who were brought in for evaluation, with each candidate conducting the orchestra during at least two concerts over the past two seasons.
TBSO President Linda Penner calls him "one of the most prominent emerging conductors and composers in North America."
The Thunder Bay Symphony is the only fully professional symphony orchestra between Toronto and Winnipeg, and is the largest fully professional arts group in northern Ontario.
It is heading into its 57th season.
