Symphony leader takes final bow
The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra & Chorus announced Monday that its longtime executive director, Gregory W. Heltman, will step down at the end of the season. The group will conclude its 34th season with a pair of concerts May 19 and 20.
Heltman founded the symphony in 1984. Two years later, the Chorus of Santa Fe joined with it.
“After much soul-searching, discussions with my family, and a remarkable 34 years of The Symphony’s growth, I am taking retirement and stepping down as executive director,” Heltman wrote in his retirement announcement. He added that he is “looking forward to many new adventures, time and energy for my family and my well being, and less stress.”
Guillermo Figueroa, who is completing his first season as the orchestra’s principal conductor, called Heltman an enthusiastic and effective leader.
“We owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for his vision and his efforts in creating and maintaining our orchestra. On a personal note, he was a good friend, always extremely supportive of me and my ideas. He will be sorely missed.”
Frank Hirsch, president of the symphony’s board of directors, said a search for Heltman’s successor would begin immediately and that an interim executive director would be in place by the beginning of the group’s next season.