Webster University Welcomes New Symphony Conductor

ST. LOUIS, July 28, 2009 – Webster University is pleased to welcome Dr. Paul G. Davis as the new conductor of the Webster University Symphony Orchestra. Associate Professor Davis will also serve as Director of Instrumental Studies for the music department in the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts.

Taking the reins for the 2009-2010 season, Davis has several new and innovative ideas for the symphony and the Webster University music department. “The musical culture of St. Louis is very vibrant. Webster University is such an intricate part of that musical culture, and the Webster Symphony Orchestra had been a mainstay for better than 40 years,” says Davis. “We want to continue that legacy and expand the scope of what Webster University music brings to the community. Webster attracts talented and brilliant students. We want to engage them within the St. Louis music scene.”

Davis plans to engage the community by implementing a program called the “Conductor’s Circle.” Members of the “Conductor’s Circle” will have the opportunity before every concert to meet various members of the orchestra and guest artists, while learning more about the music and composers for each concert. One can become a member of the “Conductor’s Circle” by purchasing a season ticket.

Davis comes to the podium at Webster University with an extensive professional background that spans both the classical and jazz idioms in conducting, performance and teaching.  He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Conducting from The University of Texas at Austin. Prior to his appointment at Webster, Davis served as a member of the conducting faculties at the University of Alabama School of Music, the Petrie School of Music at Converse College in South Carolina, Kennesaw State University in Atlanta, Georgia and at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. He was a guest conductor for the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra for the 2008-09 season, and served two seasons as Music Director and Conductor for the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra. His diverse experience as a performer ranges from appearances with the Memphis Symphony to the Amy Grant NBC Christmas telecast and includes the Spokane Symphony Orchestra and the Montana Summer Symphony.  



"The Department of Music scored a big hire with Paul Davis, a conductor and teacher of both depth and breadth,” said Dr. Jeffrey Carter, the chair of Webster University’s music department. “Dr. Davis brings fresh vision and energy to our instrumental studies area. He will continue the strong tradition of the Webster University Symphony Orchestra, and promises new programming initiatives as well. We are enthusiastically looking forward to where Dr. Davis will take this department as we continue to solidify our position as Saint Louis' arts university."

With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University (www.webster.edu) is a worldwide institution committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence. Founded in 1915, Webster offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through five schools and colleges, and a global network of more than 100 campuses. Its 20,000-plus student population represents almost 150 nationalities. The University’s core values include excellence in teaching, joining theory and practice, small class sizes, and educating students to be lifelong independent learners, fully prepared to participate in an increasingly international society.

Since opening its first campus overseas in Geneva in 1978, Webster has become a recognized leader and innovator in global education, with an international presence that now includes campuses in London; Vienna; Amsterdam and Leiden, the Netherlands; Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu, China; and Bangkok and Cha-am, Thailand. Webster also has educational partnerships with universities in Mexico and Japan.