George Hanson joined TDSF in 2015, following a 20-year tenure with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra as Music Director. As a conductor, pianist, educator and advocate, George has devoted his professional life to building outstanding performing arts institutions.
Beginning in 2019, George adds a new facet to his career with his appointment as Executive Director of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra in Northern Virginia. He brings several decades of experience in the orchestral and opera worlds to his work with ASO’s music director James Ross, an outstanding staff, and board of directors.
During his tenure as TDSF’s Festival Director (2015-2019), George played an important role in developing a national profile for the organization, with programs like the festival’s Artist in Residence program and the Wesley Green Composer Project commissioning series. George will continue his work with TDSF, serving as Festival Coordinator. He will spend time in Tucson each month, and work remotely on programming, fundraising and planning.
“I look forward to maintaining and growing ties to TDSF’s wonderful roster of artists, as well as helping to grow the support for the Festival’s partnerships in Tucson. Tucson is a community made richer by its deep commitment to the Arts, and it is an honor to continue to be part of that community.”
