Known for his international accolades and deep commitment to
community engagement, Dr. Sütterlin has quickly become a beloved figure in the
Fox Valley music scene. From Emmy-winning ensembles to his boundary-breaking
co-directorship at Sinfonietta Memphis, Kevin brings a global flair and a
heartfelt local touch to everything he conducts.
"Kevin's vision for the orchestra and our community
truly inspires me, and I'm so glad we get to keep him with us,” said Jamie
LaFreniere, FVSO Executive Director. “I'm excited to continue this adventure
and see what comes next.”
Cathy Mutschler, FVSO’s incoming Board President, echoed
that enthusiasm: "We're delighted that Kevin has renewed his contract with
the FVSO for another term. His technical skill and passion have challenged and
elevated our orchestra, and his heart and humor have endeared him to our
community."
Sütterlin joined FVSO in 2019 and this will be his second
renewal. “I am excited for the next few years with the amazing musicians,
staff, board members, and our beloved audience of the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra,”
said Sütterlin. “I look back with pride as we have established the FVSO as one
of Wisconsin’s finest professional orchestras, having been nationally
recognized and awarded in recent years—and I look forward to continuing on our
path of artistic growth through programming that is relevant, challenging, and
inspiring. I am particularly excited about the new music we are commissioning
and performing—orchestral music does not have to be dusty or old-fashioned—it
can (and should!) be relevant to people’s everyday lives; it should be
exciting, meaningful, and creative.”
Within the orchestra, Sütterlin’s leadership is equally
celebrated. Concertmaster Yuliya Smead shared, "Kevin’s artistic vision
for the orchestra is simply inspiring. His programming is broad enough to reach
everyone in the audience and on stage. His exceptional musicality breathes new
life into pieces, new and old alike."
Under Sütterlin’s leadership, FVSO won two American Prize
awards: first place for Orchestral Performance – professional division, and second
place for Conducting – professional division.
And Principal Horn Bruce Atwell said, "After an amazing
performance of Mahler's Second Symphony last weekend, I was reflecting on the
incredible musical and artistic growth the orchestra has experienced under
Kevin's leadership. It was at this moment Jamie let me know Kevin had signed a
new 3-year contract! I could not be more thrilled!"
With this new chapter, the FVSO continues its mission of
making orchestral music accessible, vibrant, and deeply rooted in community.
Whether you're a seasoned subscriber or just dipping your toes into symphonic
waters—there’s never been a better time to experience the energy and excellence
of the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra.
About Dr. Kevin Sütterlin:
An
internationally sought-after conductor and pedagogue, Dr. Sütterlin is the
Director of Orchestral Activities and Opera at Concordia College and co-directs
Sinfonietta Memphis, where friendship through music is more than a motto—it’s a
mission. A champion of living and underrepresented composers, Sütterlin
commissions multiple new works each year, passionately expanding the orchestral
repertoire. He brings that same innovation and inclusion to the FVSO stage,
ensuring every concert is as fresh and forward-looking as it is rooted in
excellence. Sütterlin is one of the country’s leading conducting pedagogues,
being praised for his keen analytical eye and deep understanding of conducting
technique and physique, paired with a kind and caring approach that has
empowered conductors and conducting students across the globe. He leads one of
the country’s only undergraduate programs in orchestral conducting that
attracts highly talented students from across the world.
About the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra:
The
Symphony's mission is to build bridges of accessibility to orchestra music and
to make a positive impact on the lives of everyone in our community. Founded in
1966, the non-profit provides the community with concerts, community outreach
programming, and three Youth Orchestra programs. Music Director Dr. Kevin
Sütterlin leads the FVS orchestra, with Dr. Luis Fernandez conducting Youth
Orchestra, which just had its 50th Anniversary in the 24-25 season. Greg
Austin conducts Concert Orchestra, and Adam Brown conducts Philharmonia. The Youth
Orchestras serve students from middle school through high school and there are
full scholarships available for all three youth groups.
