Loudoun Symphony Has a New Maestro

Loudoun Symphony Has a New Maestro

By Joe Motheral

The Loudoun Symphony Orchestra (LSO) began in 1991 and recently completed an extensive search for a new conductor/music director. After reviewing more than 100 applicants, they selected Kim Allen Kluge, the long-time conductor of the Alexandria Symphony.

“The LSO began as a community orchestra and has evolved into a semiprofessional regional orchestra,” said Karen Knobloch, the LSO’s executive director. “We also have a youth orchestra program serving 135 students and we also produce Sidenotes—performances shared virtually.”

Maestro Kluge has an impressive resume. He composes socially conscious music in partnership with his wife, Kathryn, and has worked in film making with the likes of widely regarded director Martin Scorsese.

Maestro Kim Allen Kluge

“I believe in the power of music to inspire, transcend, unite communities and to bring about positive change in the world,” he said. “I’m thrilled to join the Loudoun Symphony and the Loudoun community as we create music together.”

He’s a valedictorian graduate of Oberlin Conservatory of Music where he served as concertmaster of the Oberlin Chamber Orchestra and received the coveted Arthur Dann Award for Outstanding Pianist and the Pi Cappa Lamda Scholarship for Musical Excellence.

He pursued doctorates in piano and conducting from the University of Maryland and received a conducting diploma from the Academia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, Italy.

His first concert with the LSO will be “Ice on Fire” at the ION International Training Center in Leesburg on June 10, 2023. The full orchestra will be seated on a platform on ice and feature performances by headline ice skaters and ice dancers.

One of the orchestra’s biggest challenges is finding a place to perform.

“Loudoun County does not have a performing art center with a stage large enough to accommodate the 55 musicians,” Karen said. “Therefore the LSO and the Youth Orchestra rehearse in public schools but these are not stable places as the school takes priority.”

The LSO is currently hosted by St. David’s Episcopal Church and the smaller ensembles have performed at Middleburg Community Center and Morven Park.

“Our musicians are challenged and nourished artistically by repertoire choices,” Karen said. “Some works that are being performed this year are wicked hard and it’s interesting to watch rehearsals and see it all come together.

“It’s also interesting to hear from members of the audience who appreciate the classical works. While they may not enjoy newer works written by underrepresented composers, they do appreciate them.”

Details: For more information go to www.loudounsymphony.org.