Press Release – ECSO Leadership Transition Announcement
4/18/25
CONTACT: Liane Crawford, [email protected];
Caleb Bailey, [email protected]; 860-443-2876
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra Announces Leadership Transition
The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra (ECSO) announces a leadership transition as Executive Director Caleb Bailey prepares to step down this summer after a successful tenure leading “one of the small wonders of the American symphony world” – The Day. The ECSO Board plans to conduct a national search for a new Executive Director.
Since joining the ECSO in 2015, Caleb Bailey has played a transformative role in expanding the organization’s reach, programming, and community presence. Under his leadership, ECSO has seen a resurgence in audience engagement and innovative programming, paired with strategic growth across multiple organizational pillars. He is taking this valuable experience with him to his new role as Major Gift Officer with Seattle Symphony.
Reflecting on his time at ECSO, Caleb Bailey shared, “The accomplishments that we saw during my tenure cannot be tied to any one person but reflect the collaborative nature of this organization—from musicians to staff to the Board. I was able to come to this wonderful community and grow as a leader, all while experiencing unforgettable musical moments that I will forever cherish. New London and our surrounding areas are not only beautiful, but rich with so many cultural gems and I am proud to have played a part with this storied orchestra for the past 9 seasons.”
Board President Liane Crawford expressed gratitude for Bailey’s leadership and optimism about the path ahead. “We are sincerely grateful for Caleb’s dedication and deep commitment to ECSO’s mission during his near 10 years as Executive Director. I have personally appreciated our close collaboration during this important and exciting period in ECSO’s history and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Also commenting on his close partnership with Caleb, Music Director & Conductor Toshiyuki Shimada remarked “I have truly enjoyed working with Caleb in making the Eastern Connecticut Symphony one of the prides of our community. This is a bittersweet moment for all of us, but I wish him all the best in his new position. I’m confident that his experience, excellent communication skills, and bright personality will be a great asset to the arts community in Seattle.”
Looking ahead, the ECSO has an exciting 2025–26 season on the horizon, anchored by large-scale works by Berlioz and Copland in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Audiences will also be treated to a new seasonal highlight which promises to delight concertgoers of all ages — a festive winter holiday extravaganza concert featuring ECSO musicians, the ECSO Chorus, and Broadway star and Norwich native Chris Faison. Solo features by principal trumpet Phil Snedecor and principal cellist Amy Butler Ward will also highlight the talent within the ECSO’s ranks.
With strong artistic leadership under Music Director & Conductor Toshiyuki Shimada, a vibrant community of musicians and supporters, and ambitious programming on the horizon, the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra remains committed to its mission “to inspire, educate, and connect our communities through live orchestral music.”
ECSO 2025-26 general copy:
We are thrilled to announce our 2025-26 Season lineup, curated by Music Director and Conductor Toshiyuki Shimada. As a brand-new initiative, the ECSO will present a festive winter holiday extravaganza concert featuring ECSO musicians, the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Chorus, and Broadway star and Norwich native Chris Faison. Other season highlights include Copland’s Symphony No. 3, which contains the iconic Fanfare for the Common Man, previewing America’s 250th anniversary celebration. In addition, ECSO Principal Cellist Amy Butler Ward will perform Haydn’s Cello Concerto and ECSO Principal Trumpet Phil Snedecor will perform DiLorenzo’s Enginuity, a portrait of America seen through different forms of technology with visual accompaniment. We will feature our Instrumental Competition winner, Nicholas Hammel, in Elgar’s Violin Concerto as well as celebrate Ravel’s 150th anniversary with the iconic Bolero and his Piano Concerto in G performed by returning Steinway artist, Mark Markham. Selections from West Side Story will cap off this landmark season.
From early fall to late spring, the 70-plus member professional Symphony Orchestra presents six subscription concerts annually, most of which feature guest soloists. Subscription concerts are primarily performed at the historic award-winning Garde Arts Center on State Street in New London.
Visit www.ectsymphony.com for more information and follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) @ectsymphony.
Founded in 1946 by Norwegian immigrant, Victor Norman, the ECSO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the eastern Connecticut region, including New London, Norwich, Waterford, Groton, Mystic, Old Lyme, and East Lyme. Recent concerts in Norwich, Willimantic, and Stonington reflect our renewed dedication to serving a broader area.
Our mission is to inspire, educate, and connect our communities through live orchestral music.