SEDONA, ARIZONA (May 23, 2025) – At its annual Major Donor Appreciation Reception on May 22, 2025, at the El Portal Sedona Hotel in Tlaquepaque Village, Sedona Symphony introduced William C. White as the organization’s new Artistic Director and Conductor for its 2025-2026 season.
Mr. White replaces Janna Hymes, who completed a two-year contract for the Symphony, successfully programming and conducting ten critically acclaimed and well-attended performances during her tenure. During the Major Donor Appreciation Reception, Mr. White also announced the dates and themes for the upcoming concert season.
“It is with bittersweet feelings that we say goodbye to Janna and welcome Will,” noted Symphony Board President Margaret Davis. “Janna has done an amazing job transforming our orchestra over the past two years, and we will deeply miss her. At the same time, we are thrilled to have Will join us. We believe he will carry our vision forward with creativity and energy.”
“Sedona Symphony stands as a shining example that a great orchestra can thrive in a small community, and it is my honor to begin work as the Symphony’s next artistic director,” said Mr. White. “Sedona is a special place and an inspirational setting in which to make music. It’s no secret that the orchestra has blossomed in recent seasons, and that’s reflected in the excitement that’s buzzing through the community.”
About Artistic Director/Conductor William C. White:
William C. White is a conductor, composer, teacher, and writer equally known for his original music as for his bold interpretations. Since 2018, Mr. White has served as music director of Harmonia Orchestra & Chorus in Seattle. For four seasons he served as Assistant Conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. A noted pedagogue, he has led some of the nation’s finest youth orchestra programs, including Portland’s Metropolitan Youth Symphony and the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra. For three seasons, he was Music Director of Cincinnati’s Seven Hills Sinfonietta. Mr. White maintains a significant career as a composer. His music has been performed throughout North America as well as in Asia and Europe. His music has been recorded on the MSR Classics, Cedille, and Parma record labels. Mr. White earned a master’s degree in Conducting from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music and a BA in Music from the University of Chicago. He attended the Pierre Monteux School for Conductors, later serving as the school’s Conducting Associate, then as its Composer-in-Residence. Mr. White hails from Bethesda, MD, where he began his musical training as a violist.
Sedona Symphony’s 2025-2026 Season:
Mr. White introduced the dates and themes of the Symphony’s 2025-2026 Season for the attendees at the Major Donor Event. Under his direction, the Symphony will present:
Sunday, October 19, 2025 (at Sedona Performing Arts Center)
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 (at The Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center in Prescott, Arizona, presented in partnership with Yavapai Symphony Association)
“The Classics,” with guest pianist Jon Nakamatsu.
Featured Composers: Handel, Beethoven, Haydn.
Sunday, November 23, 2025
“Mozart and Marimba,” with guest marimbaist Abigail Fischer.
Featured Composers: Galbraith, Puts, Porpora, Mozart.
Sunday, February 1, 2026
“The Romantics,” with guest cellist Gabriel Martins and featuring Sedona Symphony’s concertmaster and violinist Sarah Schreffler.
Featured Composers: Clara Schumann, Robert Schumann, Mendelssohn.
Sunday, March 15, 2026
“Discovery,” featuring emergent artist Jacqueline Rodenbeck as guest violinist.
Featured Composers: Gluck, Mendelssohn, C.P.E. Bach, J.S. Bach.
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