Performing arts and entertainment industry veteran David Lobel is the new executive director of the Valley Symphony Orchestra. Lobel has been serving as the interim executive director of the VSO since August 2023 following the departure of Katy Coy, who relocated to Columbus, Ohio to become the CEO of the Jazz Arts Group.
“As he has proven during the transition, David is the perfect person to lead the VSO through our current 72nd season and to chart a course through our 75th anniversary and beyond,” says Nina Torkelson, president of the VSO board of directors. “He is a proven leader in the music and arts community and we are fortunate to have him working with us.”
Maestro Peter Dabrowski adds, “I am very excited to welcome Mr. Lobel as the new executive director. His extensive expertise as a producer has already made a significant impact on this season’s concerts, and his talents and involvement in the Rio Grande Valley community will enhance the Orchestra’s visibility and ensure its continued success.”
About David Lobel
Lobel comes to the VSO with more than 20 years of cultural arts management in a variety of roles for both the commercial and nonprofit sectors. Most recently he served with the Hi, How Are You Project, an Austin-based mental health awareness organization. Here, he oversaw day-to-day activities of the company and produced all of their large scale annual concerts, events and initiatives. Lobel has also led his own boutique music management and consulting agency, Lobel Arts, for the last fifteen years. The agency specializes in brand strategy, live event development and production, client advocacy, and creative planning.
“My accumulated experience as both an entrepreneur and a longtime consultant to nonprofits has led me to this amazing opportunity with the Valley Symphony Orchestra,” says Lobel. “I am thrilled to work with the incredible musicians, Maestro Dabrowski, the board of directors, and multiple stakeholders and partners to expand the VSO’s imprint across the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. With the symphony’s 75th anniversary just around the corner, magnified by the explosive growth of the entire region, my excitement to serve the community is tremendous!”
About VSO
Founded in 1952 as an orchestra of volunteer musicians, the Valley Symphony Orchestra (VSO) celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2021-22 and is now in its 73rd year of live symphonic performances.
The orchestra’s 2023-2024 season continues with “Music of Fantasia” on Feb. 23 at the McAllen Performing Arts Center followed by their annual “Bravo! VSO” fundraising gala on March 1 at the McAllen Convention Center. There will also be several more concerts throughout the spring.