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Wheeling Symphony Orchestra Music Director Andre Raphel announced Thursday he will conclude his 15-year tenure at the end of the symphony's 2017-18 season.
"It has been a great joy making music with the orchestra and I'm proud of what we've accomplished," he said. "I look forward to our initiatives and work together during the 2017-18 season."
Raphel was named the eighth music director of the WSO in 2003. Since then, he has overseen the expansion of its education and outreach programs and introduced the highly successful College Concert Series in 2010.
"Working with Andre has been an amazing journey both musically and professionally," said WSO Executive Director Bruce Wheeler. "He is a consummate artist with exquisite taste. Andre's musical programming is both thought-provoking and engaging. His knowledge of repertoire enables him to build on classical masterpieces with lesser-known works that speak to his artistic integrity and that of our orchestra.
"His generosity and kindness as a musician and a colleague are unsurpassed. I am confident that the next phase in his career will be as exciting as his tenure here has been. We wish him well in his next endeavor," Wheeler continued.
Christina Terek, president of the symphony's board of directors, said Raphel has brought positive changes to the organization.
"Andre Raphel has created a culture of excellence within the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra," Terek said. "We are grateful for Andre's artistic leadership over the past 14 seasons. His championing of new works has brought the WSO to the forefront of smaller orchestras in this country. He leaves the WSO with a strong artistic legacy and a sure footing for its future."
Born in Durham, N.C., Raphel began formal music lessons at age 11. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Miami and pursued further study at Yale University, where he earned his master's degree. He continued studies at The Curtis Institute of Music, earning a diploma in conducting, and at The Juilliard School.
In 2001, the North Carolina Senate awarded Raphel the "Order of the Long Leaf Pine." The award, presented annually, is the state's highest honor for a civilian.
The WSO board of directors will form a search committee with the expectation that a new music director will be in place for the symphony's 90th anniversary season.