Valparaiso resident Emily Yiannias will be the next executive director of the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra.
Yiannias, who is a vocal soloist, will succeed Tim King who has been executive director for five years. King is retiring effective July 16. Yiannias will take the helm June 22.
“I’m thrilled and honored to join the LCSO, an organization that is central to the cultural fabric of Northwest Indiana and its surrounding communities,” she said in a press release. “I look forward to working with Tim King, Dr. Carolyn Watson, LCSO staff, board and orchestra in the coming weeks to continue presenting incredible concert experiences to our region, stellar music education initiatives that will captivate young audiences, and cultivating a deep appreciation of music and the arts.”
Yiannias will work with King during the transition. King said she is ready for the job.
“(Yiannias) possesses the combination of musical knowledge, fundraising experience as well as the temperament to lead the LCSO into the next era,” King said.
Yiannias is a former adjunct music faculty member of both Valparaiso University and the University of Notre Dame. She also is an event specialist at Opportunity Enterprises, according to her LinkedIn page.
She earned her bachelor's degree in music from DePauw University and her master's degree in music from Northwestern University Bienen School of Music.
The LCSO soon will begin its 51st season under the direction of Carolyn Watson, her third season as music director.
