Kayoko Dan
The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera on Thursday announced that it has extended its contract with Music Director Kayoko Dan for an additional five years. Her new contract is extended through May 2022. Ms. Dan joined the CSO as its first female, and youngest, conductor in September 2011.
“I am grateful and beyond thrilled for the extension of my partnership with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera,” said Ms. Dan. “I will continue to lead and contribute to CSO’s mission by sharing a variety of quality symphonic programs and expanding our education and community engagement efforts. I am also excited to deepen my relationship with our enthusiastic audience. I would like to thank our staff, board, musicians, and audience members for trusting me to continue serving as the Music Director of the CSO.”
“We are thrilled that Kayoko Dan has agreed to a new, five-year contract keeping her as CSO’s Music Director through the 2021/22 season,” said CSO Board Chair Don McDowell. “Kayoko’s conducting skills, instincts, and insight translate our musicians’ passion into balanced orchestral performances of real significance for the community. As Kayoko is an influential advocate for music and music education in Chattanooga, the CSO is especially pleased to announce the creation of an annual Kayoko Dan conducting scholarship with the 2017/18 season.” Details about the scholarship will be announced at a later date.
“I am delighted to continue working with Kayoko over the next several seasons,” said CSO Executive Director Samantha Teter. “She is a great colleague, loves to share ideas, cares for the organization, and is a true asset to our community.”
The CSO will be celebrating its 85th year next season, and recently announced programming for the 2017/18 season.