The DeKalb Symphony Orchestra, Inc. (DSO) announces the hiring of seasoned arts administrator Alan Hopper as Executive Director, effective immediately. As the DSO Executive Director, Hopper will oversee the administrative and financial aspects of the organization, working in close partnership with the Music Director/Conductor, the search for who is ongoing after being interrupted by the pandemic subsequent to the naming of the final four candidates.

Hopper brings 40 years of professional orchestra leadership to the DSO. His broad knowledge of the repertoire and all aspects of orchestra management, planning and production have played a pivotal role in institutional growth. Most recently, he served as President and CEO of the Atlantic Classical Orchestra. Prior to that he served as President of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra. Hopper also has been Executive Director of the Jacksonville Symphony Association, the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra.

Earlier in his career, Hopper served as General Manager and in other managerial roles at the Florida Orchestra in Tampa as well as being one of the original members  of the orchestra. Hopper earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Performance from the University of South Florida in Tampa where he became an Instructor of Bassoon and Saxophone prior to graduating. While at USF, Hopper was a member of the Ars Nova Wind Quintet who recorded for the Musical Heritage Society. He served at the Armed Forces School of Music and   while in the Army, taught at Old Dominion University and performed with the Norfolk Symphony and the Peninsula Symphony.

In his successful and varied career in the arts as a performer, educator and administrator, Hopper has provided leadership that expanded diverse community engagement and accomplished the desired directional growth sought by those institutions. He has developed financial structures and discipline, as well as fundraising and audience development strategies that have resulted in significant increases in both contributed and earned revenue. Valued for creating a collaborative and inclusive environment with all constituent groups, Hopper says, “I am eager to settle into my new position and get to know the entire DSO family – board members, players, subscribers, enthusiastic audiences, donors, as well all the community members who have not yet met us.”