AMARILLO, TEXAS – (January 20, 2016) – The Amarillo Symphony today announces that Music Director and Conductor Jacomo Rafael Bairos extends his tenure with the Symphony through the 2018-2019 season. This is Jacomo’s first contract renewal since beginning as the Symphony’s 17th Music Director and Conductor in July 2013. Mr. Bairos will hold a public signing of the new agreement on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts.

“Nothing gives me a greater sense of pride and joy than the work we have accomplished together in Amarillo. The Amarillo Symphony has grown enormously both artistically and within the community in ways I could have never imagined,” said Jacomo Rafael Bairos, Music Director and Conductor. “Some of the most profound and moving concerts I have ever been blessed to be a part of anywhere in the world have occurred on our beautiful Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts stage. The renewed dedication to our community and exciting initiatives such as Class Act, Symphony Kids as well as the Young Composer’s Initiative from West Texas A&M University and the Amarillo Symphony have transformed our community jewel into a gravitational force for arts, culture, and community collaboration. Knowing that my tenure in Amarillo has been extended, gives us even more time and opportunity to explore the possibilities and impact a 21st century American symphony can achieve. The Amarillo Community is my family and I am so proud to honor that relationship by giving everyone the most passionate performances, both on and off our stage for the entire Texas Panhandle to enjoy.”

Mr. Bairos’ enthusiasm and creativity have brought a renewed energy to the Amarillo Symphony over the last three years. His innovative programming has entertained musicians and audiences alike. “Jacomo brings a youthful energy and excitement to the orchestra and our programs,” said Jim Rauscher, Principal Piano and 35-year member of the orchestra. “His concert programming is both accessible to the audience and exciting to play.”

Over his first two seasons with the Amarillo Symphony, Mr. Bairos and the Symphony have performed 21 contemporary works (composed since 1950), including two commissions. Along with West Texas A&M University and the Amarillo Symphony, Mr. Bairos helped launch the Young Composer’s Initiative and has continued to grow the education programs of the Amarillo Symphony.

“The Amarillo community has embraced Jacomo, and he has returned the affection with energetic and entertaining performances of the highest quality,” said Bob Hatton, President of the Amarillo Symphony Board of Directors. “We are proud and incredibly happy to have him, and we look forward to more great music making under his leadership.”

“Jacomo consistently raises the bar, for both himself and the orchestra. His work ethic on and off the podium is inspiring,” said Corey Cowart, Executive Director of the Amarillo Symphony. “I’m glad to be able to call him a colleague and friend, and I am excited about what the future will bring.”
On the tenth anniversary of the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts Bill Gilliland, President of Gilco Energy and former President of the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts said, “The construction of the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts by the Amarillo community allows the Amarillo Symphony to hire world class conductors.”

“We are excited to have Jacomo continue as the Symphony’s Music Director and Conductor,” said Andrew Hall, Vice President of Finance of Gillco Energy. “He has done so much to help inspire our city’s youth to take an interest in our thriving art scene.”

“When the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts was built we knew it was an acoustically excellent and beautiful hall of which Amarillo could be proud,” said Laura Street, Vice President of the Amarillo Symphony Board of Directors. “But now it has come alive with our own Amarillo Symphony conducted by a very accomplished, exciting and passionate conductor. We are all indeed fortunate!”

“Jacomo has the rare ability to constantly push the orchestra for more, while lifting people up at the same time,” said Nick Scales, Principal Bass and 18-year member of the orchestra. “He has a sincere interest in building the entire organization and making a difference in the community.”

“I was ecstatic when Jacomo accepted the position as the ASO’s Music Director & Conductor two and a half years ago. I personally had high expectations and he has exceeded my expectations as he built upon the legacy of his predecessors by elevating our orchestra and programs to new heights,” said Jeff Booth, Past President of the Amarillo Symphony Board of Directors. “His selection from such a deep pool of candidates and the ASO’s desire to continue his tenure is a tribute to his talent and passion. I am truly excited that Jacomo has agreed to continue to lead our symphony and education programs to even greater heights. The fact that Jacomo Bairos chooses to remain our music and artistic leader is a testament to our orchestra, our venue the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, our management team and faithful stake holders. Amarillo is a very good place for Jacomo to be and Jacomo is very good for Amarillo! We are honored to have such an innovative talent on our podium.”

The contract signing will be held on January 21, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to join us for this exciting event. Interviews will be available after the contract signing. Jacomo Rafael Bairos has compiled a thrilling 2016-2017 season for our vibrant Amarillo community that will be announced in February by the Amarillo Symphony.

About the Amarillo Symphony
Founded in 1924, the mission of the Amarillo Symphony (www.amarillosymphony.org) is to infuse the Amarillo community with an unbridled enthusiasm for the performance and discovery of great orchestral music. The Amarillo Symphony is the only professional orchestra in the Texas Panhandle and offers an array of successful youth educational programs in addition to regularly scheduled concerts.

The 2015 – 2016 season is sponsored in part by the Texas Commission on the Arts. Learn more about the Amarillo Symphony at www.amarillosymphony.org.