Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Names New Executive Director

Jessica Wisser has joined the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra as its new executive director.

Wisser replaces Adrien Finlay, who relocated to New England earlier this summer. Wisser begins Aug. 27 and will assume responsibilities for operations, fundraising, marketing and public relations for the 68-year-old organization.

“After an extensive search, we are very pleased that Jessica is coming on board,” said Ronal Butler, president of the ASO Board of Trustees. “Her background, experience and enthusiasm will help us continue to grow our presence in Alexandria and our surrounding communities.”

Wisser is a recent Alexandria transplant from the Boston area who formerly served as general manager for Cantata Singers, a choral organization dedicated to the performance of works both old and new.

Wisser began her music career as a pianist, later branching out to study voice and music theory. She graduated with a B.A. from Duke University, focusing on a double major in Music and Public Policy. She was very active within the University’s music department, performing with the Duke University Chorale under Rodney Wynkoop, as well as with Duke University’s oldest all-female a cappella group, Duke Out of the Blue.

The ASO begins its season on Sept. 22 with piano soloist Yulia Gorenman performing Brahms’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15, as well as Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man and Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 43.