Kamloops Symphony Orchestra conducting search for next Music Director

Apr 20, 2026 | 4:54 PM

KAMLOOPS — The search is on for a new music director and principal conductor at the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra (KSO), as it looks for the next person who will become the artistic voice and face of the 50-year-old organization.

An international search is underway to find a replacement for Dina Gilbert, who stepped down last year after eight seasons at the helm.

“The music director and principal conductor provide the the programing decisions about what actually shows up on stage with the orchestra,” Chris Young, the KSO’s executive director, said. “They also help cultivate the sound of the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra, so helping choose the personnel who are on stage performing – the artists and the musicians – but also the guest artists.”

“They also bring in ideas from their travels across the country and potentially across the world, and help develop talent here in Kamloops as well.”

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Applications are due by May 29, and the KSO will then interview potential candidates this summer. It will then invite a few to audition as guest conductors during the 2027/28 season, before making a final decision. The successful candidate is expected to take over by Sept. 2028.

Speaking to CFJC Today, Young said the KSO came up with a new strategic framework after some soul searching over the past year before embarking on this search. The successful candidate will be tasked with trying to position Kamloops and the BC Interior “as a hub for cultural leadership and innovation.”

“What we’ve demonstrated, I think, to a broad swath of the people in this country that Kamloops is a place to watch,” Young said. “There are a lot of things being built – like the new performing arts centre – and so, the potential and the opportunity that this community has is really exciting.”

“In my conversations with potential candidates, it has seemed to really resonate with them around what music and orchestra means for a community, and so we’re really excited to see what candidates we’re able to attract.”

by Victor Kaisar

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Kamloops Symphony Orchestra conducting search for next Music Director

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