Maryland's Columbia Orchestra Appoints New Music Director

Richard Scerbo has been appointed following a year-long search

Conductor Richard Scerbo is the new Music Director of the Columbia Orchestra, a regional ensemble based in Ellicott City, MD. Scerbo will step into the role on July 1, 2024.

Scerbo is currently also the Artistic Director and Conductor of Inscape Chamber Orchestra, Director of the National Orchestral Institute + Festival at the University of Maryland, Co-Artistic Director of Jackson Hole Chamber Music, and a Principal Conductor of the DC Youth Orchestra.

He is also actively engaged in community pursuits, having served on panels with the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, adjudicated chamber music competitions for the Montpelier Arts Center, and judged orchestra assessments for the Howard County (MD) Public Schools.

Scerbo is presently on the boards of directors for the American Composers Alliance and Bowdoin International Music Festival.

"I'm excited to share that I'll be joining the Columbia Orchestra as their new Music Director!" Scerbo wrote on social media. "From the moment I first worked with the orchestra last season, I knew that this was a special organization filled with talented and passionate musicians dedicated to making our community more vibrant through music."

"During the search process, I was able to learn so much about the hopes and dreams of the players and the orchestra, and I can't wait to get started on this new adventure. And for all my local Maryland friends, I hope you'll join me in the season ahead!"