For the Reporter

The Auburn Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors has chosen Rachel Woolsey as its new executive director.

Woolsey succeeds general manager Lee Valenta, who recently retired.

Woolsey, who grew up in Wenatchee, pursued the piano and cello and developed a love for orchestral music that has led her to a career in arts administration. She most recently worked as marketing director of Early Music Seattle, where she shepherded a new brand identity and website for the 40-year-old organization. Her previous experience in arts marketing and development includes positions at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, Md., and The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

A graduate of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, Woolsey is pursuing a master’s degree in arts leadership at Seattle University.

Woolsey’s arrival comes after the appointment of the symphony’s new music director, Wesley Schulz, and just in time for the start of ASO’s 2018-2019 season, the 22nd for the organization.

“I am so pleased to be serving Auburn in this capacity. Auburn Symphony Orchestra is a regional gem with an inspiring amount of community support,” Woolsey said. “Together with … Wesley Schulz and the board of directors, I look forward to bringing together patrons of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy and learn more about orchestral music.”

Pines of Rome, the first program with Schulz conducting in his new role, is Oct. 14 at the Auburn Performing Arts Center, 702 Fourth St NE. It will feature soloist Randall Goosby on violin, a laureate of the 2018 Sphinx Competition, performing Eric Korngold’s cinematic Concerto for Violin. The epic works Pines of Rome and Fountains of Rome will also tap local high school and college brass players to literally fill the hall with music and musicians.

Season tickets are on sale, with subscriptions for the symphony series and the chamber series. View the concert dates and information at auburnsymphony.org.