SYMPHONY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ACCEPTS MILWAUKEE POST

Aug 18, 2004

For Immediate Release

Contact: Annie Matlow

Spokane John Hancock, the Spokane Symphony's Executive Director, has resigned to accept the position of Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Spokane Symphony Board President, William A. Simer announced today.

Hancock took over the leadership of the Symphony in August 1999. He was committed to outreach into the community taking music to non-traditional listeners. Within six months of his arrival in Spokane, he was introduced to the Fox Theater, a beautiful 1939 Art Deco theater. He saw the vision of what it could become for the community and the Symphony. His tenacity and commitment to Saving the Fox is lauded by community leaders.

John Hancock shared a vision and through his hard work and commitment, the Fox Theater is standing today. We have raised $11.6 million, and John has been a key part of that effort, said Simer, who is the past president of the Fox Board and currently serves on that board in addition to his position as president of the Symphony Board.

The Milwaukee Symphony is a major symphony orchestra with a $16 million budget and 150 concerts a year. The Spokane Symphony budget is $3.2 million with 50 concerts a year.

"I'm proud of what we've accomplished: growth of interest from new listeners, more work for our professional musicians, the new leadership of Music Director Eckart Preu, sold-out Soiree concerts, appearances in unusual locations and new communities, and the overall artistic and professional advancement of the organization, Hancock said.

The Fox Theater has been an inspiring project. This crucial component of both the Symphony and the community merits the continued courage and generosity required to get it finished, he said.

The dedication of Spokane Symphony musicians, trustees, donors, and professional staff has been an inspiration to me. Jane and I and our children have been treated lovingly and generously by the community. Spokane is a very special place, and living here is a big pleasure in itself.

The importance of beauty and harmony in our community inspires our work to provide broad access to the arts. That basic human need must not be undervalued. Spokane loves its Symphony, and it's been an honor to be part of it, he added.

While he has worked tirelessly for the Symphony and the Fox, he has also been active in other areas of the community. He serves on the board of the Spokane Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau and is a member of Downtown Rotary.