Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Announces Departure of Executive Director George Hanson
Posted Jul 02, 2026 | ASO News, Events,
Alexandria, VA – June 30, 2026 – The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO) Board of Trustees today announced that Executive Director George Hanson will depart the organization on June 30 to pursue new professional opportunities. Hanson’s departure comes as the ASO enters a pivotal new chapter, preparing for the selection of its next Music Director and the announcement of a new executive leadership team to take ASO into an exciting future in 2027.
Hanson has served as ASO’s Executive Director for seven years. During his tenure, he led the Making Music Together capital campaign, which raised $1.8 million to invest in the orchestra’s future. Drawing on a distinguished 40-year career as an artistic director across the globe, Hanson played a critical role in negotiating ASO’s collective bargaining agreement with its musicians – the first such agreement reached in a generation and a significant step in strengthening the foundation of trust and collaboration on which the orchestra’s artistic life depends.
Most recently, Hanson also served as artistic advisor to the ASO’s Music Director Search Committee throughout its candidate selection process, the results of which will be shared with audiences in the coming 2026-2027 season. Under his leadership, season subscription sales for the ASO’s programming have grown nearly 40 percent since the pandemic – a trend that runs counter to national patterns among symphony orchestras and reflects the deepening relationship between the ASO and the community it serves.
“George has played a vital role in the ASO’s achievements throughout the past seven years, as shown by his numerous contributions. With the ASO entering this new phase of executive leadership, we are positioned to move forward stronger than ever,” stated Laurie MacNamara, President of the ASO Board of Trustees.
The ASO Board of Trustees expressed deep gratitude for Hanson’s contributions to the orchestra and the broader community and extended its wishes for his continued success.
“It has been a pleasure and an honor to work with this fine organization.” said George Hanson, outgoing ASO Executive Director, of his ASO tenure. “The music-making is spectacular. I look forward to ASO’s next chapter.”
In a letter to subscribers, patrons, and donors, MacNamara also expressed appreciation to the organization’s donors, subscribers, and concertgoers, whose attendance and generous financial support sustain the orchestra’s work. Leadership transitions are a natural part of any organization’s life, and the board noted that the loyalty and enthusiasm of the ASO community gives it confidence as it looks ahead.
The ASO will provide updates as its search for new leadership progresses. In the meantime, the orchestra looks forward to sharing another season of music with its audiences.
