The director of the UW Symphony Orchestra is set to conduct his last concert, marking the end of his 34-year career at UW-Madison.
James Smith, a professor in the UW-Madison Mead Witter School of Music, will also retire from his posts as music director of the University Opera and conductor of the Chamber Orchestra.
He is additionally known as the director of the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra, a position he has held for the last 32 years. He will conduct his last WYSO show in May.
Smith, a clarinetist by trade, graduated from Southern Methodist University before being offered a Fulbright Scholarship to study clarinet in London. After receiving a graduate degree, he went on to perform with the Empire Sinfonietta in New York City, the Dallas Symphony
He originally moved to Madison from New York to conduct UW’s Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band.
Smith’s last show as conductor of the UW orchestra will take place April 9 at 7:30 p.m. in Mills Concert Hall.
