Orchestra names executive director

Firelands Symphony Orchestra has named Tricia Applegate as its new executive director.

Applegate, who began her new position June 10, has over 30 years of arts management experience, according to a news release from the Firelands Symphony Orchestra.

With an undergraduate degree in music and business from Heidelberg University and master’s degree in arts administration from the University of Akron, career roots with the Ashland Symphony Orchestra leading to many years of working for Ashland University Departments of Music and Theatre along with utilizing her entrepreneurial skills as the founding director of a community school of the arts, the variety of Applegate’s professional experience offers a collection of resources to advance the orchestra into its future, the release said.

“The way the search evolved and the details leading her to apply for the position, Tricia and I have discussed how this connection was meant to be,” said Nike Mendenhall, board president of the Firelands Symphony Orchestra. “With her experience, knowledge in arts administration and ability to team-lead community arts organizations, I am confident and optimistic Tricia will dedicate herself to strengthening the symphony’s organizational and financial resources while expanding its commitment to the community through music programming, outreach and education.”

In addition to diversifying resources through earned income, private and public giving, audiences and staffing, Applegate is a strong advocate of arts education, the release said.

“I’m ecstatic to see a symphony dedicated to a school of music program to build young audiences through experiential education programs and outreach,” she said. “This is a factor that drew me to this position.”

Applegate said she also believes for the arts to survive in today’s world, it is vital to build partnerships, especially with higher education institutions and fellow arts organizations.

“By combining our resources and building synergy, we can strengthen the support for the arts and build community through the arts,” she said.

This statement couldn’t be more timely for the Firelands area as Applegate’s first day with the Firelands Symphony Orchestra coincided with the devastating storm June 10 which ripped through the Sandusky State Theatre, the performance home of the Symphony.

“I knew this community was special, but the outpouring support and love for the theater is inspiring,” she said. “The Symphony board, staff, musicians and I are ready and willing to help rebuild this iconic jewel to bring another 90 years of live performances to Sandusky and North Central Ohio.

“I am so excited to join a team charged with offering high quality programs which are mission centered, transformative and instructive.”

Applegate will succeed Laurie Korobkin, who left the position in December.

Since Korobkin’s departure, Mendenhall, who has experience in arts management, and the staff have managed the operations.

Applegate