Dr. John Ricarte, who has led the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra as Conductor and Musical Director for the past ten seasons, has announced that he will resign his duties with the group at the end of the current season.

During his tenure with the orchestra, Ricarte, who earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Orchestral Conducting at the University of South Carolina, has seen the group flourish, performing such works as the entire Nutcracker Ballet with BalletForte, Handel’s Messiah, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol, and many other major works.

Dr. Ricarte's experience includes working with a diverse number of groups from youth to adult, orchestra and ballet, to opera, wind, and choral ensembles. He was one of seven finalists chosen among young conductors from around the world to participate in a conducting competition held in Portugal. In 2005, he traveled to Romania where he conducted the Satu-Mare State Philharmonic Orchestra in a special guest appearance. Noting that the orchestra is stronger than ever, Dr. Ricarte said “I know that the Orchestra will continue to grow and expand. Choosing a new Conductor and Musical Director will be a great opportunity to take the group to new heights.”

Sina Thompson, who has worked with Ricarte as Concertmistress and Board President during much of his tenure, said “Dr. Ricarte has been instrumental in raising the level of professionalism that the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra enjoys today. We will miss his guidance and leadership.”

“John’s decision to leave will be difficult for the musicians and Board Members,” agreed Amy Floyd, Board President. “We have a great deal of admiration and fondness for him. However, we will use this situation to continue exploring growth opportunities for the Orchestra and the communities we serve.”

The Orchestra will announce the details regarding the search for a Conductor in the coming weeks.

For more information about the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra, please visit the website at www.fbso.org or call 281-276-9642.

# # #