Harmonizing Community & Art

David Lobel’s Leadership at the Valley Symphony Orchestra

In the vibrant cultural landscape of the Rio Grande Valley, the Valley Symphony Orchestra (VSO) stands as a beacon of artistic expression. Under the leadership of David Lobel, who is entering his second year as executive director, the symphony is on a transformative journey aimed at making orchestral music more accessible to a broader audience.

Lobel’s tenure began in an interim capacity in late August of last year, with his official appointment coming on January 1. In a relatively short period, he has prioritized enhancing the orchestra's educational initiatives, recognizing their critical role in fostering a love for music among young people. “We are really digging in to make our educational programs more robust,” Lobel states. A key development was the hiring of Catherine Norquest, the orchestra’s librarian, who now also serves as the education coordinator while continuing her role as a cellist within the orchestra. This dual capacity allows for a deeper connection between the ensemble and the educational community.

Lobel’s commitment to accessibility extends to the expansion and increased awareness of the VSO’s educational offerings, such as the  “Partners in Education” program, which through donor generosity provides  discounted tickets for school groups to attend the main Masterworks concerts. Now in its fourth year, this effort aims to ensure that as many students as possible have the opportunity to experience live orchestral music. “It’s important for students to have access to these performances, as they may be the only regular exposure to professional live music they receive,” Lobel explains, emphasizing the significance of making this experience available to all students in the Valley.

This season, VSO will introduce two new education concerts specifically designed for middle and high school students. Previously, the orchestra’s educational concerts focused on younger elementary-aged audiences. “It’s also the nature of how you might perceive your educators. When you see your music teacher on the stage performing with a full symphony, it flips your mind from just thinking, oh, this is just the person telling me what to do in the classroom to someone who practices what they preach. The context can be a game changer” Lobel explains.

At the heart of Lobel’s vision is the belief that orchestral music should not be confined to a select group of individuals but should be a cultural resource for the entire community. This philosophy is exemplified by the upcoming “Symphony in the Park,” a free concert intended to draw in a diverse audience. “I want the symphony to be viewed as a resource available to everyone,” he asserts. This inclusive ethos drives Lobel to create programming that invites community participation and engagement.

The McAllen Performing Arts Center (MPAC) and the City of McAllen play a pivotal role in this vision. As a state-of-the-art venue, MPAC is not only a home for the VSO but also a vital cultural hub for the community. Its design and acoustics have been carefully crafted to enhance the experience of both performers and audiences, making it a treasured asset in the Valley. “Having a facility like MPAC allows us to showcase the orchestra’s talent and reach more people than ever before, and having the immense support from the City of McAllen clearly demonstrates their commitment to the performing arts as a direct relation to standard of living,” Lobel notes, recognizing the importance of these entities in elevating the cultural landscape of the region.

Moreover, Lobel is dedicated to embedding the VSO within the broader cultural environment of McAllen and its surrounding areas. He sees collaboration with other local arts organizations and community events as essential for enhancing the cultural fabric of the Valley. “It’s all about working together and having open and honest conversations,” he emphasizes, recognizing that a shared vision can amplify the impact of the arts in the community.

The collaborative dynamic between Lobel and long-standing conductor Peter Dabrowski has also proven to be a significant asset. “We’ve built a mutual trust that allows us to push boundaries,” Lobel shares, reflecting on how their partnership has facilitated broader or more innovative programming. Dabrowski, who has been with the VSO for over two decades, is not merely a guardian of tradition; he is eager to explore new avenues for artistic expression, making their partnership vital to the orchestra’s evolution.

As with any transformative effort, challenges are inevitable. Lobel acknowledges the complexities of leading a respected institution while also navigating the expectations of its audience. “You can’t rush this,” he notes, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and understanding the dynamics of the community. His patience is already yielding positive results; the orchestra has seen a notable increase in new season ticket holders—reportedly almost 100% compared to previous years. “Word is getting out,” he remarks, expressing optimism about the continued growing excitement surrounding the orchestra.

Looking to the future, Lobel remains steadfast in his commitment to expanding educational initiatives and further reducing barriers to entry for community members. He envisions the VSO as a vital resource that can bring the joy of music to everyone. “We’re here to make a difference and inspire,” he declares. Lobel also acknowledges the vital contributions of the entire VSO staff, emphasizing that the orchestra's success hinges on the passion and dedication of its team. “No one here is just dialing it in,” he notes, recognizing that the energy and commitment of the staff are essential to creating a vibrant and thriving artistic environment.

David Lobel’s leadership at the Valley Symphony Orchestra is emblematic of a broader movement within the arts to foster inclusivity and community engagement. His dedication to accessibility and collaboration serves as a reminder that orchestral music, traditionally viewed as an elite pursuit, can indeed be a shared experience—one that enriches the lives of all who participate. As the VSO embarks on this new chapter, it stands poised to become a cornerstone of cultural life in the Rio Grande Valley.

David Lobel, Executive Director

David resides in McAllen, TX, with his wife, an affordable housing specialist, and teenage son, an aspiring percussionist and music producer.

VSO STAFF

Angelika Gualberto, Development Manager

Working with the VSO allows me to contribute to the exciting journey of bringing world-class music to the community through the collective efforts of talented individuals, from fellow team members to board members, major sponsors, and community partners.

Catherine Norquest, Orchestra, Librarian/Education Coordinator

As a long-time musician with the VSO and now serving as the music librarian and education coordinator, I love collaborating with the talented conductor, musicians, and office staff to inspire others and bring our educational concerts to life, all while sharing the incredible energy that students bring to the concert hall.

Osmar Alanis-Monsivais, Patron Services & Marketing Coordinator

Being part of the VSO team has allowed me to connect with wonderful people and witness the community’s passion for the arts, from seasoned enthusiasts to newcomers.

Scott Roeder, Personnel Manager

I love serving my fellow musicians and ensuring they have the tools and support needed for a successful and enjoyable experience with the VSO.

Zach DeSilva, Operations Manager

Being part of a non-profit orchestra that gives back to the community is important to me, as our performances and educational outreach inspire future leaders, musicians, conductors, and patrons, demonstrating that music is a powerful international language that brings people together.